Jan. 24, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis track and field team heads across the bridge to the Arkansas State Invite, held at the Convocation Center this weekend. Competition will kick-off Friday Jan. 25, and continue on Saturday Jan. 26.

The Tigers will be competing in their third meet of the season. They have already earned an automatic and provisional bid in the women's shot put, thanks to high performances by Susan King and Sivan Aballi.

The men's throws have seen some solid performances and look to improve this coming weekend. Steffen Nerdal performed well last weekend in his first meet of the season and reigning shot put champion Glen Edwards holds down the No. 1 spot in the conference. The Memphis men hold the top four performances in the shot put and five of the top six spots in the weight throw, in Conference USA.

Tiger newcomers have been putting on a show as Jessica Wright won the women's 400 meters at the Saluki Booster and Aaron Whetstone ranks No. 4 in the conference in both the long and triple jump, already posting career highs. Whetstone's performance this past weekend earned him, C-USA Indoor Track Male Athlete of the Week honors. Pentathlete Charlotte Abrahamsen holds the top spot in the conference in the high jump, seventh in the long jump and third in the shot put.