Jan. 25, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women's track and field team will travel to Johnson City, Tenn. to compete in the Niswonger Invitational, hosted by East Tennessee State University this weekend.

The Niswonger Invitational will mark the third indoor meet of the season for the Blazers, as they have previously run in the Clemson Opener and Indiana Opener.

The meet will feature over 1,100 athletes from 60 teams and is slated to begin on Friday at 11 a.m. at ETSU and conclude at 7 p.m. on Saturday. UAB will be joined by fellow Conference USA school Marshall, as well as a pair of Alabama schools in Samford and Alabama State.

"We have had very good success at the Niswonger Invitational in past years," said UAB head coach Ray Stanfield. "East Tennessee State does a great job of putting on a very competitive meet. The competition will be very good and the two-day format will help prepare the girls for the conference championships."

UAB will have 23 athletes competing at the meet, including four relay teams. Most of the Blazers are entered in multiple events, including Christina Chambers, Timara McMillan and Alina Varpiotaite, who will be participating in four different events.

"Last year we won the 60-meter dash, 3000 meters, 5000 meters and the distance medley relay, as well as having several top three performances," said Stanfield. "We are looking to continue that success this year. We will run our top distance medley relay and our number one mile relay this week."