University of Connecticut Athletics
Women's Track Looking To Keep The Streak Alive
4/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
STORRS, Conn. (April 20, 2006) - The University of Connecticut women's track team is looking to keep extend its winning streak to to four meets as they host the UConn Invitational this Saturday. UConn has won each of it's last three meets, including the last UConn Invitational on April 8.
UConn will be hosting regional teams including Brown, Boston University, Southern Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence College.
"We have a high level of anticipation as we continue to prepare for the Championship season in a few weeks," said Head Coach Bill Morgan. "Up to this point we have been unbeaten in regional competition, however, it is necessary to progress toward individual championship performances if we are to have success in the BIG EAST Championships. This weekend presents a great stage for this to occur; the team will use our second home meet as a dress rehearsal and I am certain their confidence and fitness will shine through."
Next week the Huskies will compete in both the Penn Relays and the Brown Invitational.
"Splitting up our team next week between the Penn Relays and the Brown Invitational, we will continue to fine tune," said Morgan. "I know the young ladies are absolutely in tune with the challenges ahead and our staff is excited about the possibilities. Leading the way has been Tamara Highsmith (East Haven, Conn.), recently named ECAC Athlete of the Week for the second time. Currently ranked 16th in the country in the triple jump, Highsmith continues to develop into a true national-class athlete. She is a serious threat in the BIG EAST, as she sits high atop the conference list in several events."
Highsmith is the team leader in both track and field events, but in the sprints, the freshmen class leads the team and the league in many events.
"The short sprint group, led by Jessi Foreman (Wayland, Mass.) and Kara Budd (E. Longmeadow, Mass.), continues to rise in the BIG EAST standings, as does the distance crew," said Morgan. "Last weekend, Jillian Sullivan (Bristol, Conn.) jumped to second place in the BIG EAST steeplechase rankings, demonstrating the momentum of our program. I am excited to see the performances this weekend as we gear up for the championship season."
The women's meet begins at approximately 1:15 p.m. with a pre-meet ceremony to honor the team's senior class.
