April 17, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB track and field team has signed six prospects to letters-of-intent, including one of America's top prep triple jumpers, according to an announcement by Blazers head coach Ray Stanfield.

Penny Shields, who attends Montbello High School in Denver, Colo., highlights the UAB class inked by Stanfield. Shields is currently ranked fifth nationally in the indoor triple jump for U.S. high schools with her leap of 39-10.

Oriana Carter of Ramsey High School in Birmingham is one of three Alabama products in the class. Carter was the 2002 state champion in the 100-meter dash and she also won the 60-yard indoor title.

Another Alabama native, Tiffany Parker, of Cullman (Ala.) High School, is a multi-event performer. She competes in the triple jump, hurdles and participates in the pole vault. Parker is also ranked in the top five in five events in the state of Alabama. Leslie Hunt, a distance runner from Austin High School in Decatur, is a member of the 6A state champion team in cross country.

Laura Koob from McMinn County High School in Calhoun, Tenn. was the Tennessee State Cross Country champion for the large school division. She was also runner-up at the state meet as a junior. Mary Kim Webb from Crockett High School in Austin, Texas, was a five-time state qualifier in the 4X400 and the 4X200 relays.

"This is a great recruiting class," said Stanfield. "It not only speaks well for the present team but also speaks well for the university."