April 26, 2012

Memphis Invitational Schedule

2012 Memphis Invitaional

MEMPHIS, Tenn.-Memphis track and field squads play the role of host in their final regular season meet this weekend at the Memphis Invitational. The two day competition begins Friday at the Billy J. Murphy Track and Field Complex located on the University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus.

"I think it's a good opportunity for the athletes to compete at their home facility," said head coach Kevin Robinson. "With this being our last regular season meet before the conference championship it's extremely important in terms of performance."

Day one of the meet will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the men's and women's hammer throw and long jump events. The competition resumes on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with field events followed by track events at 12 p.m.

This will be the fourth year in a row that the Tigers have hosted the Memphis Invitational. The meet serves as Memphis' only home event during the outdoor track and field season.

Robinson added, "I feel it's important for our athletes to fell that sense of urgency in protecting their home turf."

Results from the Memphis Invitational will be posted on GoTigersGo.com as they are made available.

Where the Tigers Stand
Memphis athletes continue to make waves nationally, regionally and in Conference USA. With one regular season meet and the C-USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships left before the NCAA East Preliminary, 16 Tiger athletes are close to punching their ticket to the NCAA post-season.

For the men, Karlis Pujats (pole vault), Austin Crenshaw (pole vault), Robert Jackson (110m hurdles), Brandon Williams (400m hurdles), Darius Lynwood (high jump), Fabian Fiege (800m run), Will Hubber (hammer throw) and Kyle Bynum (javelin throw) all have marks close to qualifying for the NCAA post-season.

For the women, Maya Williamson (400m hurdles, 4 x400m), Kala Funderburk (400m dash, 4x 400m), Louisa Lingley (800m run, 1,500m run), Laura Toldy (multi-event, heptathlon), Xenia Rahn (multi-event, heptathlon), Anna-Maria Bischof (shot put, discus, javelin), Britta Jaarats (shot put, hammer) and Allison Hotz (shot put) could continue on with a strong performance in the next two meets.

Last Time Out

Last week at the War Eagle Invitational hosted by Auburn University, the Tigers walked away with one new school record and several new personal best.

Monica Mason, Kala Funderburk, Keyona Neal and Maya Williamson took second place and broke their own school record in the women's 4 x 400m relay with a time 3:39.10. The four Tigers currently hold the program's outdoor and indoor record in the event.

"Very proud of the ladies 4 x 400m effort," said head coach Kevin Robinson. "They ran a great relay for us and I expect them to continue to improve." Funderburk and Neal saw action in other sprint events. Funderburk (24.14) took 12th in the 200m dash, while Neal (54.34) finished sixth in the 400m dash.

Following a strong performance at last week's Sea Ray Relays, senior Robert Jackson took second in the 110m hurdles with a time of 13.98. Fellow hurdler Brandon Williams ran fourth in the men's 400m hurdles, crossing the line at 52.28.

In the men's pole vault, Austin Crenshaw took second place and set a new personal-best clearing 5.20m. Senior Karlis Pujats took third at a height of 4.90m.

"Austin Crenshaw and Brandon Williams both performed at a level that will take them to the NCAA regional meet, said Robinson." I'm very pleased with them. Austin finally breaking that 17 foot barrier is a huge accomplishment for him."