Women's Track Lands Top Sprinter

Head women’s track and field coach Amy Deem announces the signing of sprinter Lauren Austin (Orlando, Fla.) to a national letter of intent to attend the University of Miami next fall. Austin selected Miami over LSU, Florida and Arizona.

“We are very excited that Lauren (Austin) has decided to attend the University of Miami next fall,” said Deem. “She will add depth in the both 200-meters and 400-meters, and will be a great addition to our 4×400-meter relay.”

Austin, the top returning 400-meter runner in the state of Florida, is the two-time defending District 2 and 4A Region 1 Champion at 400-meters, and last season finished third at the Class 4A State Championships. Her winning time of 54.98 at the Regional Championship set a new Class 4A Region 1 meet record.

“After visiting all the schools I felt Miami was the best fit for my short term and long term goals both athletically and academically,” said Austin.

Austin, who will compete at Oak Ridge High School this season, placed second at this summer’s USATF Junior Olympics in a time of 53.70, and seventh at the 2003 USATF Junior Nationals with a time of 53.61 marking the 14th best time in the nation and the top time by a Florida High School runner in 2003.