Antoine Bell, UAH Sports Information

The second time around was supposed to be better for Lady Charger distance runner Amy Phillips. After being left in the dust at the 2002 Division II National Championships, the junior from Huntsville had a year of experience under her belt. She had had a stellar 2003 season. Her times were even faster than last year. She had done further damage to the UAH record books. Coach David Cain was confident that Phillips was ready to roll when she took the track Thursday to compete in the 3000 meter Steeplechase at Ralph Korte Stadium in Edwardsville, Illinois. However, the nightmare from 2002 reared it's ugly head once again.

A year ago, Phillips finished eighth in her heat and 16th overall, leaving her out of the finals. Unfortunately, 2003 would be a nasty case of deja vu for the UAH distance runner. Phillips finished 10th in the second heat of the steeplechase and 20th overall.

"I don't know what happened," said Cain, who has had a representative at the National Championships in each of the three years of the UAH track program. "Amy just didn't have her best day."

On the bright side, Phillips will likely be back in the hunt next season. Maybe, the third time will be the charm.