March 26, 2006
WACO, Texas - UT-Arlington sophomore Jodi Hulett is quickly establishing herself as one of the top distance runners in the Southland Conference.
Hulett shaved a staggering 20 seconds off her personal best time in the 1,500 meter run with a time of 4-minutes, 42.78-seconds to claimed sixth place at the outdoor season's first event of the year - the Dr Pepper Invitational at the Hart-Patterson Track Complex here Saturday.
The time bettered her previous best of 5:03.35 she clocked at the UT-San Antonio Relays the first meet of the outdoor season a year ago.
Hulett's time is the second fastest in the Southland Conference this season. She also timed a 10:13.64 in the women's 3,000 meters for fifth place.
"We had some individuals show that they worked hard during the spring break and the last month since the indoor season," said UTA Track and Field Head Coach John Sauerhage. "I am happy with the effort of a number of athletes and we will try and build off this meet and be ready for the conference meet."
The Southland Conference Outdoor Championships are May 13-15 at Maverick Stadium.
Senior Tara Burns and sophomore Angela Gonzales finished second and third, respectively, in the long jump competition. Burns' jump of 18-11.75 is the third best in the SLC this season. Gonzales jumped 5.65 meters (18-06.50).
Senior Mandy McGee turned in the third fastest time in the league this season with a 1:03.64 in the women's 400-meter hurdles.
Freshman Stacey Bennett jumped 1.65 meters (5-05) for third place in the high jump.
Sophomore Carranda Mose ran a 2:18.92 for sixth place in the 800 meters. Senior Kristi Bird was right behind Mose with a 2:19.54.
The pole vault combo of Lacey Moore and Vanessa Maida, who finished first and third in the league's indoor track championships last month, claimed top six finishes Saturday. Maida, a junior from Abilene, set a personal-best mark with a height of 3.50 meters (11-05.75) for fifth place and Moore had the same height for sixth place.
UTA returns to action when they host the Bobby Lane Arlington Invitational presented by The Ben Hogan Sports Therapy Insititute on March 31-April 1 at Maverick Stadium. Field events begin at 9 a.m. and running events at 1 p.m.
Arlington resident and Olympic gold medal winner Jeremy Wariner and silver medalist Darrell Williamson are scheduled to compete at the meet.
For complete Dr Pepper Invitational results go to http://www.BaylorBears.com
