Lady'Backs take award on eve of championships

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On the eve of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif., the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback 4×800-meter relay team was given a special honor by Accusplit as being the fastest quartet in the nation this year.

The team that was headlined by NCAA Championships favorite Aneita Denton and featuring NCAA qualifier’s Erica Sigmont and Dacia Barr and indoor track all-American Paige Farrell set the University and Drake Relays record when they clocked 8:29.13 against a stacked field to take Arkansas’ second 4×800-meter title of the season. The group also took first-place honors at the Texas Relays just weeks before.

“Winning one of the Accusplit awards is truly special,” Arkansas head coach Lance Harter said. “Every school in the country is trying to win this award every time they step on the track and to take this one is something special.”

The Lady Razorbacks also took Accusplit honors during the 2001 season when their 4×1,500-meter relay won the Penn Relays in a world-leading time. That squad was led by nine-time all-American Tracy Robertson and recent Prefontaine Classic 1,500-meter winner Christin Wurth.

Arkansas’ award comes on the eve of the NCAA Championships where 11 Lady Razorbacks are scheduled to compete for a national championship. While Denton comes in as a favorite in her event, every one of Arkansas’ athletes have the potential to score in what could be a banner year for the Lady’Backs. The Lady Razorback’s 11 scoring opportunities are among the most of any of the 140 participating colleges and universities.

Along with Denton, Sigmont is scheduled to run the 800 meters. Barr runs in the 1,500 while junior Maureen Scott attempts to earn her second steeplechase all-America honor. Academic standout Laura Jakosky competes in the 5,000 with distance teammates Alison Rush and Penny Splichal tackling the 10,000 meters. Senior Kasia Williams runs in the 100-meter hurdles and Beyonka McDowell competes in the grueling seven-event heptathlon. In the field events, Stacie Manuel and Brandy Blackwood compete in the pole vault and hammer throw, respectively.

For more information about Lady Razorback track or about Arkansas women’s athletics, visit www.ladybacks.com.