May 3, 2007

MEMPHIS - The Memphis track team will have one final chance to prepare for the Conference USA Outdoor Championships as it competes in the Arkansas State Mini Meet on Friday.

The meet will be the Tigers last before the C-USA Championships, which will be held May 10-12 at the Rice Track Stadium in Houston.

"We're looking for a couple of regional performances this weekend and also for some new season bests," Memphis head track coach Kevin Robinson said. "This is the last meet before conference so it's time for us to start peaking."

Both the men's and women's squads have had tremendous outdoor campaigns, with a total of seven athletes qualifying for the NCAA Mideast Regional in 10 different events. In addition the Tigers and Lady Tigers have combined to break eight different outdoor school records.

Several Memphis athletes are on the verge of earning NCAA qualifications. 110-meter hurdles runner Amaechi Oselukwue has come close in that event on several occasions, and freshman Tina Sherratt is looking for her second NCAA berth in the 800 meters, having already qualified in the 1500 meters.

"We have some kids who are in great shape," Robinson said. "They just need a chance to perform."