April 24, 2003
The TCU Flyin' Frogs turned in a pair of NCAA Regional qualifying performances on the first day of the 109th running of the Penn Relays, held Thursday at Franklin Field.
Alayne Thompson turned in an strong performance in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The Conference USA cross country Freshman of the Year from Jenks, Oklahoma posted a school record and an NCAA Regional qualifying time of 10:57.65, placing 11th among the field of 30.
TCU freshman Julie Curtis also logged an NCAA Regional qualifying mark in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 60.73 seconds. That effort placed her 19th among the 60 competitors entered in the field and whittled more than a second off her previous season best mark of 61.76.
The women's 4x100-meter relay team circled the track in a heat-winning time of 45.08 seconds. The quartet of La' Toya White, Donita Harmon, Tiffany Starts and Monica Twum logged the fifth fastest time in the prelims behind LSU, Auburn, Indiana and Texas, and will compete in the finals on Friday afternoon.
In other action involving TCU athletes on Thursday, Mary Kinyanjui posted a sixth place finish in the flat 3,000 meters, turning in a time of 9:40.20. Heather Isbell placed 29th in the 3,000 meter steeplechase with a time of 11:29.79.
"We had a good first day of competition," said TCU Head Coach Monte Stratton. "The women got the meet started off on the right foot. Hopefully, we can keep it going on Friday."
The meet continues on Friday at Franklin Field. The Frogs will be entered in the prelims of the men's 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays, the finals of the women's 4x100 meter relay and the prelims of the women's 4x200 meter relay. In addition, TCU all-Americans Aundre Edwards and Cleavon Dillon will be competing for the long jump title.
TCU RESULTS:
WOMEN:
3000m: 6. Mary Kinyanjui 9:40.20.
400m Hurdles: 19. Julie Curtis 60.73 (Q).
3000m Steeplechase: 11. Alayne Thompson 10:57.65 (Q); 29. Heather Isbell 11:29.79.
4x100m Relay (Prelims): 5. TCU (La' Toya White, Donita Harmon, Tiffany Starts, Monica Twum) 45.08 (Advances to Friday's finals).
NOTE: (Q) - NCAA Regional Qualifying Mark
