USF Track Teams Compete In First Meet Of 2007

Feb. 24, 2007

http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/pepp/sports/w-track/auto_pdf/WCChallengeResults

The University of San Francisco men's and women's track teams competed in their first competition of 2007 when they traveled to Pepperdine and took on WCC opponents Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara, San Diego, and Pepperdine, who hosted the track challenge.

The meet was the first for an official Dons men's program in over 50 years, and marked the first time in history that USF had both an official women's and men's programs compete together.

The women were led by senior Renee Stribling who won both the 1500m (4:37.50) and the 800m (2:20.5); The 1500m time was the second fastest in the history for USF and was a new personal record for Stribling. "Renee was fantastic today," said Head Coach Helen Lehman-Winters. "For her to be able to sweep both the 1500 and the 800 is a great way for her to start the season."

In the 3k, juniors Lucy Miller (10:24.29), Jen Hartford (10:37.96) and Liz Noey (10:38.88) all placed in the top five, with Miller finishing second behind WCC cross country champion Laura Mickelson. Also performing well for the women was freshmen Briana Junior, who won the 200m (28.05) in her first race as a Don.

For the men sophomore Alex Nelson followed Striblings example and swept both the 1500m (4:00.58) and 800m races (1:57.39). Junior Kenny Sparks was right behind Nelson in both races where he placed second in the 1500m (4:01.35), and third in the 800m race (1:58.02). Finishing second between Nelson and Sparks in the 800m was freshmen Micael Smith with a time of 1:57.94. In the sprints the men's 4x100m relay team won the event with a time of 46.36.

"Our middle distance runners ran really well today," said Lehman-Winters. "For the men to sweep the 800m race and Alex and Renee to come out with wins in both of their races was a great start for the 2007 track season."

The Dons will be back in action March 3 when they travel to Stanford. For meet results please click on the link above.