April 7, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - This weekend, the Kennesaw State women's track & field team competed in the 64th Annual Pepsi Florida Relays. In one of the most prestigious meets in the nation, KSU took a select group of women to compete in sprint and relay events. Thunderstorms caused the premature cancelation of the meet, but the Owls still had several outstanding performances including a second place finish by the 4x1600m relay team.

Running in a small field of opponents that included Clemson University and the Citadel, KSU looked strong as their smooth transitions translated into a new school record. Leading the first leg of the race was distance specialist Mackenzie Howe. Howe set the pace for the team as she turned in a 5:30 minute mile split time. She was followed by fellow distance runner Britany Reilly in the second leg and mid-distance runner Caitlin German in the third leg. Finishing the contest was 800m specialist Soibhan Wolcott who completed the race with a time of 21:55.45.

German and Wolcott later returned to the track to compete the 1500m race. As the reigning Atlantic Sun Outdoor 800m Champion, Wolcott easily won her heat as she finished 50 meters ahead of her nearest opponent with a time of 4:48.56. Her season best time in the 1500m race earned her 24th place overall. German finished in 35th place with a time of 5:10.38.

"This was great race for Soibhan," said head coach Don McGarey. "She ran very smart. She waited in the middle of pack until the final lap and then was able to accelerate and take the lead easily. She is a hard worker and real calculated racer."

In sprinting events, the Owls were represented by junior Shantela Davis. Running in the 400m dash, Davis was facing some of the toughest competition of meet including professional athletes and conference rivals. The junior sped around the track to finish with a time of 56.38, breaking the school 400m record once held by mid-distance coach Alexandra Jo. Davis' time earned her 34th place overall as she out paced Unique Singleton (56.78) and Danielle Davenport (57.99) of Jacksonville University.

"Shantela is a huge part of this team," said sprint coach Devin West. "She owns KSU records in the 4x400m relay, 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay, 200m and now the 400m dash. She is a real leader on this team and a great example to the rest of our athletes."

On the field, sophomore Jakia Ragland competed in the "B" section of the high jump. The Berkmar High School graduate tied her personal best in the event as she earned 15th place with a height of 5-01.0ft.

The Owls will be back in action next weekend as they participate in the Seminole Track Invite in Tallahassee, Fla.

Florida Relays
Individual Results

4x1600m Relay
2. KSU 21:55.45

1500m
24. Soibhan Wolcott 4:48.56
35. Caitlin German 5:10.38

400m Dash
34. Shantela Davis 56.38

High Jump "B" Section
15. Jakia Ragland 5-01.0ft