March 20, 2003

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --- UAB's track and field team began a four day series of events at the Alabama Relays March 20. The Blazers competed in the heptathlon entering two athletes.

Sophomore Adrienne Duke finished the day in eighth place overall, sixth collegiately. Duke ran the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 16.47 and the 200-meters with a time of 26.20. She finished the first round in the shot put with a toss of 30-11, and the high jump with a leap of 5-5 1/4, a new personal best for outdoor.

"Adrienne Duke had an outstanding performance today," said assistant coach Jennifer Robeson. "She is in a good position to place."

Freshman Olivia Ross-Hurst is competing in her first collegiate heptathlon. Ross-Hurst ended the day with four personal bests. She ran the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.98 and the 200-meters with a time of 28:61. Ross-Hurst finished the shot put with a toss of 27 and the high jump with a leap of 5-4 1/4.

"Olivia has done well for her first collegiate performance with four personal bests," said Robeson.

The Blazers will continue competition tomorrow with the final day of the heptathlon.