April 2, 2009
CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami track and field teams are headed to Gainesville, Fla. this weekend for the Florida Relays. The University of Florida hosts the annual meet at James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track and will welcome the 16th-ranked UM women, April 3-4.
Known as one of the nation’s premier meets, the Florida Relays will get under way Friday for collegiate and unattached athletes at 11:30 a.m. with select running events. Field events will get underway at 5 p.m.
Participating collegiate teams in the meet include: Alabama, Alabama State, Albany (N.Y.), Arkansas, Bethune-Cookman, Boston University, Cal State Fullerton, Catholic University (D.C.), Charleston Southern, Charlotte, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Dayton, Delaware State, East Tennessee State, Embry-Riddle, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, Florida International, Florida Southern, Florida State, Fort Valley State, George Mason, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Illinois, Jackson State, Jacksonville, Kentucky, Lincoln (Pa.), Maryland, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Miami, Morehouse, Navy, Norfolk State, Northeastern, Nova Southeastern, Ole Miss, Savannah State, South Alabama, South Carolina, South Carolina State, South Florida, St. Francis (N.Y.), Tampa, Temple, Tennessee, Tulane, UCF, Villanova, Webber International, Western Kentucky and Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
All-Americans Krista Simkins and Takecia Jameson, who both missed the indoor season due to injuries, will be making their 2009 debuts this weekend. Simkins, the 2008 Indoor 400-meter national champion will compete in the 100-meter dash and will also run a leg on the 4×100 relay.
“When you have the experience and the leadership of Krista Simkins, it’s always a positive, to have her traveling and competing with your team,” said Director of Track and Field Amy Deem.
Jameson, a two-time Junior World Champion (400-meter hurdles, 4×400 relay), will take part in the 400-meter dash and will run a leg in the 4×400 relay.
“Were really excited about Krista returning for the outdoor season and getting Takecia back from her knee injury this year. Obviously, it’s a process and it’s going to take a few weeks to get back where I know they want to be and where we can be,” added Deem.
Another All-American, sophomore Ti’erra Brown will also be making her outdoor debut this season. The Hampton, Va. native will be running in the 400-meter hurdles and the 4×400 relay.
Last season’s ACC Outdoor Performer of the Year Kristy Whyte will have a busy weekend as well. The junior will be competing in the 100 and 200-meter dashes as well as both the 4×100 and the 4×400 relays.
Sophomore Megan Novinger, one of the best high jumpers in program history will compete in Friday’s high jump. In the other jumping events, junior Deandra Doyley will take part in the both the long and triple jumps. She will be joined by freshman Brittni Finch in both events.
After reaching a regional qualifying mark in the long jump in the season-opening Hurricane Invitational, junior Mikese Morse will try to do the same, this time in the triple jump.
The ACC 60-meter hurdle champion, Cory Nelms will compete in both the 110-meter hurdles and the 4×400 relay. Freshman Devon Hill, who has been impressive in his first season, is schedule to appear in both the 110 and 400-meter hurdle events. Hill will also run a leg of the 4×400 relay.
Sophomore Diego Rosado who reached a mark of 2.00 meters (6-06.75) in his first attempt in the high jump two weeks ago, will look to better improve on the school’s fifth-best mark in the event on Saturday. The Albuquerque, N.M. native is also schedule to run in the 110-meter hurdles.
Freshman Micanor Regis, the lone Miami football player in action for the Hurricanes this weekend, will take part in the shot put Saturday evening.