Women’s track continues indoor slate at Clemson Invitational

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama women’s track and field team will continue its indoor season with competition at the Clemson Indoor Invitational this weekend. Field events and trials will begin on Friday, Jan. 18 with final track and field events slated for Saturday, Jan. 19 from the Clemson Indoor Track and Field Complex.

“This weekend, what is important is we have different SEC teams to compete against along with some talented ACC schools,” UA coach Sandy Fowler said. “That in itself brings a new component to a competition because now they know they need to be aggressive and score for the University.”

No. 23 Georgia will make an appearance along with SEC rivals Auburn and Mississippi State. Rounding out the competition is Anderson, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Florida A&M, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville, Johnson C. Smith, North Carolina Central, NC State, Troy and Wake Forest.

Last season at the meet, the Tide finished in fifth place on the strength of three first place medals. Julia Hicks won the mile with a time of 4:48.10 and also guided the UA distance medley team to a top finish with a time of 12:01.92.

Former Tide standout Aymura Albury won the shot put with a distance of 50’6.25” and finished third in the weight throw with a toss of 59’02.25. Lynda Cooper set a new school record at the time with a height of 11-05.75 in the pole vault.

Alabama sent 20 women’s track athletes to start their 2008 indoor season this past weekend at the Kentucky Invitational. Of the 20 participants, 11 were freshmen. Alabama made a good showing in its 2008 debut as seven personal bests were turned in.

Top finishers for the Tide was sophomore Katherine Strickland in the pole vault, checking in at fifth place with a clearance of 11-05.75. Freshman Angelica Howard uncorked the shot 45-07.25 to finish ninth overall in her first collegiate event. Newcomer Capri Knox also recorded a top-10 finish with a triple jump of 37-00.25 to place sixth overall. Senior Julia Hicks crossed the line in eighth place with a time of 9:56.74 in the 3000m.

Alabama will continue its indoor season at the Adidas/Nebraska Invitational. The meet will begin on Feb. 8 from Lincoln, Neb.