The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Alabama Relays
UAB Enjoys Successful First Day At Alabama Relays
3/23/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
March 23, 2012
Day One Results | Day Two Live Results
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The UAB track and field team enjoyed a successful first day of competition Friday at the Alabama Relays as the Blazers turned in six top-three finishes.
"We knew coming into this first day taht we had chances to win some events," head coach Kurt Thomas said. "The 4x200-meter relay team ran great and can run faster in a few weeks."
UAB’s 4x200-meter relay team composed of Akira McSwain, Angel Watson, Thelyssa Katchen and Alexis Bates placed first with a time of 1:36.79.
In the Blazers second relay event of the day, the spring medley, Rachel Harley, Kendra Gipson, Shelby Barker and Jenna Wesley ran a 4:03.91 and placed third.
Angel Watson placed first in her event with a new personal-record 11.79 in the 100 meters. Kristina Vaughn followed suit claiming the top spot in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, logging a time of 11:11.60.
"Angel came up with a huge personal record in the 100 meters and that should just add speed for her 200 meters later this season," Thomas said.
Harley took second in the 400-meters with a time of 1:01.90.
In the long jump, Kelli Smith took third place with a jump of 5.69m (18-8.00) and McSwain finished fourth with a leap of 5.66m (18-7.00).
"These races set them up well for big performances later this season," Thomas said. "We need to come back and be ready to do it again tomorrow with some more great opportunities."
The meet continues tomorrow with the Blazers competing in nine events – the 100-meter hurdles, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 100 meters, 4x100, 4x400 and distance medley relays, the triple jump and pole vault.
