SFA Track & Field Prepares for SLC Meet
5/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
May 8, 2008
NACOGDOCHES - Now that finals have come to a close on the 2008 spring semester, the Stephen F. Austin men's and women's track and field team have turned their attention to the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships. The three-day event will begin Friday, May 9, in Huntsville, Texas. SFA enters the weekend as one of the favorites in the league, coming off strong runner-up finishes for both the men and women during the indoor season.
The Lumberjacks expect to score some big points in several different events, led by the decathlon where they currently have the league's top two performers. A 2008 NCAA provisional qualifier, Aaron Harlan sits atop the league standing in the decathlon, just ahead of teammate Chris Jones. Senior Stephon Rhea is currently third in the 200 meters, while junior Keith Mahipala has recorded the conference's second-best time in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. SFA also figures to be strong in the hurdles as well. Senior Zach Ross is currently second in the 110-meter hurdles, and third in 400 hurdles, while Harlan is currently third in the 110-meter hurdles.
The Ladyjacks also look very strong in the multi events as well. Sophomore Tabitha Riley has recorded the league's top mark with her score of 4,706 points at the Texas Relays. Senior Katrina Roundtree will look to continue her success from the indoor season. She enters the outdoor championship meet currently third in the 400 meters. Freshman Meredith Blocker enters the meet among the league's top three in the steeplechase. Classmate Amy Shackelford has recorded the league's second-fastest time in the 5,000 meters. Sophomore Silent-Joye Egboba-Waye will be a contender in the 100-meter hurdles. Senior Kristina Windham is one of only four athletes to clear 12 feet in the pole vault, and enters the meet currently ranked third. Sophomore thrower, and school record holder, Frednisha Marshall will be the Ladyjacks' top threat in the throws. Marshall is currently second in the hammer throw.
SFA returns to action Wednesday, May 21, when they travel to Natchitoches, La., to compete in the NSU-NCAA Qualifier. That will be the team's final meet prior to the NCAA Regional Championships.
-SFA-
