May 14, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State women's track & field team will compete in the Atlantic Sun Outdoor Conference Championship this weekend at Clemson's Rock Norman Track Complex. The two day meet will be hosted by USC Upstate and feature top conference rivals, including defending champion Jacksonville.

After a long outdoor season the Owls are well-prepared for the conference meet. The team has performed well enough to rank highly in the conference standings, including a 55.57 second 400m dash by Shantela Davis. This weekend, she will race against Unique Singleton of Jacksonville and Karlyn Duncan of Campbell as they try to chase down conference gold. Also on the track, Lakeshia Stinson will run in the 100m and 400m hurdles. The sophomore has continually improved her time from to meet to meet and now stands the chance of adding additional points to the Owls score.

In mid-distance events, the team will be represented by Soibhan Wolcott. Last year at the A-Sun Outdoor Championship she claimed the 800m dash crown as she crossed the finish line in 2:13.39. She currently holds the second fastest time in the conference with 2:18.02. This weekend, she will race a strong group of conference rivals as she defends her championship. Also participating in the 800m dash will be sophomores Caitlin German and Lindsay Whalen.

Running the 5k event will be sophomore Britany Reilly. One week ago, at Clemson she claimed victory in the 5k race. This weekend, she faces a much tougher line up of opponents as she will be KSU's sole representative in the race.

"Britany is ready for this race," said distance coach Stan Sims. "She has prepared all season to place at conference and she going to give it her best shot."

In field events, the Owls will be led by thrower Ana Ruiz. The freshman holds fifth place in the conference standings in the discus (117-02.0ft) and fourth place in the javelin (110-10.00ft). She set both marks at the Clemson Orange & Purple Classic last week. Heading into conference she leads the Owls' throwing squad into familiar territory. Freshman Jessica Lumpkin will compete alongside of her in the hammer throw, shot put and discus, while Meredith Steinmetz and Whitney Hammontree will participate in the javelin throw.

"The ladies have put together a strong season," said field coach Mike Goss. "They have competed at Clemson twice before, so they know what their in for. I expect to see several season high performances and have some of them score points in the discus and the javelin."

Also competing on the field will be freshman Jill Arthur. A versatile athlete, Arthur has proven herself to be an accomplished sprinter, hurdler and jumper in her freshman season. She now owns the second best triple jump mark in the conference (39-08.50ft). Arthur has a chance to score points for the Owls as she squares off against jumpers from Jacksonville and Belmont. Jakia Ragland will also be competing for the Owls as she participates in the high jump contest. The sophomore posted a career high 5-05.0ft last week to help her land the fourth highest mark in the A-Sun.

The A-Sun Outdoor Conference Championship will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and continue all-day Saturday.