The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Saluki Open
UAB Track & Field Concludes Saluki Open
1/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Jan. 15, 2011
CARBONDALE, Ill. --- Blazer sophomore Shakima Knox won the 200-meter event Saturday as the UAB track & field team concluded the two-day Saluki Open hosted by Southern Illinois.
Knox crossed the line in a personal-record time of 25.39 on Southern Illinois' 200-meter flat track to win the 200-meter event. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native also finished as the runner-up in the 60-meter with a time of 7.66.
"I'm proud of the way the girls came out and competed," UAB head coach Kurt Thomas said. "I saw a lot of good races and top three finishes. Our sprinters and young long jumpers did well, and it's good to open the season with times nearing personal records.
Freshman Kelli Smith leaped 5.74 meters in the long jump to earn a second-place finish, while fellow freshman Renay Ransaw placed fourth with 5.70 meters.
Sophomore Akira McSwain finished as the runner-up in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.92. Ransaw placed 11th after crossing the line in 9.54.
Freshman Kyana White recorded a time of 59.82 in the 400-meter to place eighth.
The UAB 4x100-meter relay squad of Thelyssa Katchen, Rachel Harley, White and McSwain earned a fifth-place finish with a time of 4:02.12.
"We are still young, but they did really well and improved this weekend," Thomas said. "Overall the team did well and I'm excited to see what they can do this indoor season."
The Blazers return to action next Friday for the Gladstein Invitational hosted by Indiana.
