FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2012 – MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT: Zach Lawson (zlawson@uark.edu)

 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

George, Gillespie qualify for event finals

 

            NAMPA, Idaho – The second-ranked University of Arkansas women’s track and field team picked up two qualifiers for event finals on day one of the 2012 NCAA Indoor Championships at the Jacksons Track in Nampa, Idaho. Based on Friday’s performances, the Razorbacks will be represented in finals by Regina George at 400 meters and Kristen Gillespie in the mile.

Arkansas will have scoring opportunities in five events Saturday. Along with George and Gillespie, the Razorbacks will look for points from Makeba Alcide in the pentathlon, Tina Sutej and Tara Diebold in the pole vault and the 4x400-meter relay.

“We had two qualify for finals tomorrow which is always important at the NCAA meet,” head coach Lance Harter said. “The more bullets you can fire, the better chance you have because points are hard to come by with this competition. We knew we’d be a late-scoring team and we still have those opportunities Saturday to make up some ground on the scoreboard.”

            In the team’s first action of the weekend, Gillespie secured her spot in the event final for the mile. The Razorback senior had the third-fastest qualifying time with a finish of 4:40.47. Gillespie was making her individual debut at the national meet having put in relay duties the past two years. The final of the mile is scheduled for Saturday at 7:25 p.m. (CT).

            George was the Razorbacks’ second qualifier of the day with her performance at 400 meters. Running in the final heat of the preliminary round, she crossed the finish in a time of 52.93 to post the second-fastest time of the day. Whitney Jones finished ninth overall with a time of 53.32 and just missed a spot in the final by .02. Saturday’s two-section final is scheduled for an 8:05 p.m. start.

            Making her debut at the NCAA Indoor Championships, Ivanique Kemp ran to a time of 8.27 and finished in 15^th place overall during the preliminary round of the 60-meter hurdles. Stephanie Brown finished 10^th overall in the qualifying heats of the 800 meters. She crossed the line in a time of 2:06.15. Neither Razorback advanced to the final of their respective event.

The 2012 NCAA Indoor Championships will be streamed live on ESPN3.com Saturday, March 10 from 7-10:15 p.m. (CT). NCAA.com and broncosports.com will stream portions of the meet not covered by ESPN3 beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. A tape delay broadcast of the national meet will air Sunday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

In addition to the start of the pentathlon, Saturday’s schedule will also include scoring opportunities in the 400 meters, mile, 4x400-meter relay and pole vault. For more information regarding Razorback track and field or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

 

NCAA Championships – Day 1 Results

 

400 Meters (prelims)

2. Regina George – 52.93q

9. Whitney Jones – 53.32

 

800 Meters (prelims)

10. Stephanie Brown – 2:06.15

 

Mile (prelims)

5. Kristen Gillespie – 4:40.47q

 

60-Meter Hurdles (prelims)

15. Ivanique Kemp – 8.27

 

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