Simkins Continues Her Torrid 2008 Season

Feb. 16, 2008

<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Miami women’s track and field team has completed the first day of the Tyson Invitational on the University of Arkansas campus in the Randal Tyson Track Complex.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

A week after running the third fastest time in the NCAA in the 400-meters, with a time of 53.34, junior All-American Krista Simkins ran even faster.  In a field that featured 98 runners, Simkins ran the third fastest collegiate time in the 400m prelims, improving her provisional time at 52.94.  The finals will be run tomorrow as the field has been narrowed to 18 runners.

Also in the 400-meters was sophomore Kristy Whyte who reached a personal best with a time of 54.56.  Freshman Tameka Jameson participated in her first collegiate 400-meter dash and ran an impressive 55.66.

Another freshman that performed well, was Tara Thomas who ran a season-high 7.48 in the 60-meter dash. 

Sophomore Deandra Doyley has been improving her marks every week and this week was no different as she leapt a season-high 5.82m, finishing eighth in the long jump.

The 4X400 relay team, consisting of Takecia and Tam. Jameson, Simkins and freshman Ti’erra Brown improved on their provisional time, finishing second with at 3:37.83.

Senior Khadija Talley improved her provisional mark in the weight throw, winning the event as the only

participant to eclipse the 20m mark.  Talley’s toss of 20.22m beat out a field of 34 competitors.

The `Canes return for the second and final day of the Tyson Invite at the Randal Tyson Track Center, tomorrow beginning at 10 a.m.