Feb. 21, 2008

BOSTON - The Boston University men's and women's track teams will compete at this weekend's America East Championship, hosted at the Track and Tennis Center Friday (Feb. 21) and Saturday (Feb. 22).

The women's team has won the championship each of the previous two years and nine times since 1990. They were also this year's preseason favorites to repeat, with the men tying for second in their preseason rankings.

Among the athletes expected to compete is senior Tahari James, who holds the second fastest 55m in America East this season (7.20), the third best mark in the 200m (25.12) and the best distance in both the triple jump (12.66m) and long jump (6.04m). Sophomore Whitney Ford is also slated to compete, after posting high conference marks in the 55m (7.15, 1), 200m (25.10, 2), long jump (5.76m, 2) and triple jump (12.52m).

On the men's side, freshman Joel Senick holds America East's fastest time in the 400m this season with a 48.35 time, while senior Jake Laroe has the top conference mark in the mile run (4:09.98), the second best time in the 1000m (2:27.91) and fourth best 800m (1:55.48). Sophomore Jan Bicanic also set the top distance in the conference with a a 15.92m shot put throw.

Tickets for the championship will be on sale at the Track and Tennis Center for $2 for college students with a valid America East college ID and those under 14 years of age and $7 for age 14+.