April 3, 2004
AUSTIN, Texas - The Boilermakers' track and field program proved their exceptional NCAA indoor championship finish was no fluke, as four of their athletes placed among the top five during the final day of competition at the Texas Relays.
In three days of competition against the nation's best at the University of Texas, the Old Gold and Black compiled seven top-five showings, and added a few more members to its growing NCAA Mideast Regional roster.
The non-scoring event is one of the most prestigious outdoor meets of the regular season, and serves as a suitable forerunner to the NCAA Championships. Now in its 77th year, the Texas Relays features the nation's finest amateur athletes, NCAA champions and national high school record holders. Over 5,000 athletes competed at this edition of the relays in 125 events.
Freshman Lindsay Blaine earned her trip to LSU, site of the Mideast Regional Championships, last weekend at the Purdue Invitational, recording a javelin launch of 160 feet, 11 inches (40.04 meters). This weekend at Texas, the rookie improved her distance with a push of 162-0 (49.39m), and finished fifth in the talented field.
Scott Hecht and Tiffany Britten scored Purdue's best finishes of the afternoon, as each placed third in the shot put. Hecht recorded an NCAA regional mark of 58-10 (17.93m), as did Britten, who posted a season-best effort of 47-10 (14.58).
Shaun Guice a six-time All-American in the high jump, tied for fourth in his main event, reaching a top height of 7- 1/2 (2.15). Guice tied with Texas freshman Andra Mason, while California sophomore Teak Wilburn won the title with a top leap of 7-3 (2.21m).
Purdue will see much of the same nationally recognized competition next weekend, as it ventures to the University of Tennesssee for the Sea Ray Relays. In two weeks, the Boilermakers will send competitors to the Drake and Penn Relays.