Women’s track jumps into Top 25 rankings

TUSCALOOSA | The Alabama women’s track and field team jumped into the USTFCCCA Top 25 rankings, checking in at No. 24. Alabama is coming off an impressive showing at the SEC Championships behind the strength of talented underclassmen.

“I am very excited that we have moved into the top 25. This is where our program is expected to be,” coach Sandy Fowler said.

“The athletes did a great job last weekend competing, which is what moved us into the top 25. I give all the accolades to them as they are dedicated to our program and have worked very hard to reap the benefits. This is but one benefit of many more to come.”

Alabama had a stellar showing at the SECs, especially from senior Trish Bartholomew and sophomore Chelsea Taylor.

Bartholomew ran the fastest 400 time in the nation, clocking a 52.10 to win the SEC Indoor title. That time shattered the school record and is the first time an Alabama athlete has won the event since Diane Francis in 1991.

Taylor took second place in the high jump with a leap of 6-00.75 to make her the first Alabama All-SEC performer in the event since Anna Skoog placed second in 1992.

After winning the SEC indoor title, the program’s first since the 1999 season, the LSU Lady Tigers remained the top-ranked team in Division I, as released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.