Aytree Blalock continued her outstanding performance in the Lady Chargers' first ever season of track and field over the weekend at the Big Cat Classic in Memphis, TN.
Blalock became the first Lady Charger to run an NCAA qualifying time in any event. She ran a provisional qualifying time of 17:44.36 in the 5000 meter race. She finished second in the race, but was first among College Division runners.
"Aytree had a big day," said head track coach David Cain of his senior standout. "When she is is competing it doesn't matter how far the race is or how many races she runs, she runs to win. Aytree definately made her presence known in Memphis today."
Blalock placed in the top ten in the 1500 meter run, coming in sixth with a time of 4:49.41. She also set a new UAH record in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:22.00. She finished eighth in the 800. Meanwhile, in her fourth race of the day, Blalock broke the field in the 3000 meter race with two laps to go and finished first with a time of 10:22.22. She was only four seconds off of her her own school record.
Overall, Cain was pleased with his team's performance in the meet. Of the 14 athletes that the Chargers had compete in the meet, 11 set personal best marks.
"It was a great meet for our team from top to bottom," said Cain.
Other notable performances:
Amy Phillips set a personal best record in the 1500 meter run with a time of 4:58.71. She finished 13th in the race. She followed that effort with an eighth place finish in the 3000 meter and a time of 11:01.05.
Natalie Fahey finished seventh in her very first 3000 meter race. She ran a time of 11:00.37.
Candace Chambers had a top 10 finish in the 5000 meter run, running a personal best time of 18:56.
Ashley Whatley improved her best 5000 meter time by 35 seconds down to 19:27.80.
Amber Shahan scored for the team placing eighth in the pole vault. She cleared a height of seven feet on her first attempt.
Next Meet: Sewanee Outdoor Invitational, Sewanee, TN, April 7
