May 12, 2010

Arlington, Texas - The final regular season marks have been submitted and the stage is about to be set for the annual Southland Conference Track and Field meet at UT Arlington's Maverick Stadium this weekend.

The Mavericks are the seventh-highest ranked Southland team in this week's USTFCCCA's national rankings.

The women's team will face challenges from indoor champion Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State this weekend.

Jasmine Walls leads a trio of UTA sprinters that are among the best in the conference. The senior is 1st in the 200 meters (23.21) and second in the 100 meters (11.71). Antonia Hopkins has the fastest 400 meter time (54.39) and the second fastest 200 meter time (23.61). Meanwhile Shannon Reynolds is eighth in the 200 and ninth in the 100.

A trio of runners rank highly in the distance and middle distance events. Jerono Patrober has the best time in the 5000 meters with a mark of 16:53.51. Ester Abuto is second in the 800 meters (2:12.72) while Caroline Erlingson is fifth in the 1500 meters (4:36.31).

In the 400 meter hurdles, Megan Turner has a season best time of 1:01.86 which is fourth in the conference.

The Maverick relay teams are also strong with the both the 4x100 and 4x400 teams ranked second.

UTA is the second-highest ranked Southland team in this week's USTFCCA rankings.