QUEENS, N.Y. - The Red Storm track & field team will head to the Armory this weekend to take on the BIG EAST Conference's elite as ten members will compete in the 2008 Indoor BIG EAST Championships in New York City, Feb.23-24.

The St. John's track & field team did not compete last weekend, but are well rested and ready to take on the likes the defending champion Georgetown Hoyas. The Red Storm has had much success at the Armory in the 2008 championship season earning three individual titles at the Indoor Metropolitan Championships on Feb. 1.

In the 60-meter dash, junior Phobay Kutu-Akoi is sixth in the BIG EAST with a time of 7.60 seconds. Her time was good for an individual win at the 2008 Indoor Metropolitan Championships. Fellow junior Paula Rennalls will also compete in the event, ranked at 19th with a time of 7.74 seconds.

Rennalls will also compete in the 200-meter dash as her Metropolitan Championship time of 24.75 seconds has her ranked seventh of all BIG EAST competitors. Kutu-Akoi mirrors Rennalls, ranked 19th on the 200-meter list with a time of 24.99. Sophomore Kate Dulmovits will also compete just qualifying with a time of 25.50.

Sophomore Asia Nettles will represent the Red Storm in the 400-meter dash clocking in with a qualifying time of 58.07. Her time is good for a No. 22 spot among BIG EAST foes.

Freshman standout Priscilla Frederick is tied for fourth in the conference in the high jump with a season-best height of 1.75 meters. Frederick was the 2008 Indoor Metropolitan Champion in the event. Junior Venisa Clarke-Lee will also compete for the Red Storm in the high jump with a qualifying mark of 1.70 meters.

In other field events, sophomore Fayanne Francis will compete in the long jump, clearing a season-best distance of 5.62 meters from the Great Dane Classic on Jan. 25. Graduate student Kellie Brown will represent St. John's in the triple jump, ranked 10th in the BIG EAST with a distance of 11.43 meters, also done at the Great Dane Classic on Jan. 25.

Ranked 12th in the BIG EAST in the 20 lb. weight throw is senior Dominique Eason, who had a season-best throw of 15.66 meters at the Manhattan Opener on Dec. 1, 2007. Eason was the 2008 Indoor Metropolitan Champion in the weight throw and placed third in the Millrose Games corresponding with the same event.

In addition to the 12 individual events, the Red Storm will also compete in both the 400-meter and distance medley relays in hopes to earn key points for a high score at the two-day event.

The St. John's track & field team will also hold an alumni event corresponding with the championship. For information please email Martin Nutty at nuttym@stjohns.edu