April 28, 2011

ARLINGTON, Tex. - UT Arlington's focus is set intently on the team events this weekend when the Mavericks compete at the Drake Relays.

UTA coach John Sauerhage thinks his team has a chance to perform well in several events - most notably the men's 4x100m relay, men's 4x200m relay, women's 4x400m relay and women's 4x800m relay.

The men's 4x100m relay team has the potential to be truly special, Sauerhage said, if only the team can master the baton exchanges that have proven problematic this season. The team of Andrew Pettis, Cordero Gray, Lionel Mungwari and Clayton Vaughn has already recorded a sub-40 second time. With a strong race, Sauerhage is convinced his team can break the UTA record.

For the most part, the men's 4x200m relay team is the same just with Gray subbing out and Juan Lewis checking in. That team also has a chance to be post a strong time this season.

The women's 4x400m relay team has already enjoyed a strong season. Brittany Culbertson, DeAndrea Smith, Megan Turner and Breonna Baldwin broke a 14-year-old meet record at the Northwestern State Invitational two weeks ago.

While the 4x400m relay team has been good, the 4x800m relay team has a chance to be better. Esther Abuto leads the group. She currently leads the Southland Conference in the 800m with a time of 2:11.31. Lindsey Putman, Jennifer Carey and Marissa Paz have all run times of less than 2:18.00 as well. Putman ranks fourth in the league in the 800m with a time of 2:12.56.

The Drake Relays begin Thursday and will run through Saturday.