April 18, 1998

WALNUT, Calif. - Texas Tech University's track and field teams put forth a strong showing Friday evening in the first day of competition at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif. Junior Evette Turner clocked the best time in her heat and the best time on the day in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:24.31. Michael Njenga crossed the line in second place in the 5,000 meters, recording a time of 13:57.93 to provisionally qualify for the NCAA Championships.

The Red Raiders had 17 individuals compete Friday in respective heats. Both Scott Jesko and Shameron Turner finished third in separate heats in the men's 200 meters. Additionally, sophomore Leigh Daniel placed 11th overall in the women's 5,000 meters with a time of 16:59.26 in her fastest race this season. More than 35 college and university teams are competing in the annual meet, along with runners from some of the nation's top track clubs.

The event also draws several international teams and medalists from the World Championships. The three-day meet will feature primarily high school competition on Saturday, and on Sunday will move to open division races and continue the university level events.

TEXAS TECH RESULTS
Name                  Event     Time       Place
Women
Ngozi Iwu              800 M   2:16.32   7th in heat 2
Evette Turner         1500 M   4:24.31   1st in heat 1 - best time among heats
Dawn Charlier         1500 M   4:33.35   2nd in heat 2
Jennifer Wright        200 M     24.77   5th in heat 1
Kaneshia Polk          200 M     24.78   6th in heat 1
Kori Crampton          200 M     25.82   8th in heat 1
Tami Zachery           200 M     24.95   6th in heat 2
Malonie Barrow         200 M     25.33   8th in heat 2
Dawn Charlier         3000 M   9:59.94   35th
Kristen Koppes        3000 M  10:06.94   37th
Leigh Daniel          5000 M  16:59.26   11th

Men
Scott Jesko            400 M     49.58   8th in heat 2
Samson Ngetich        1500 M   4:04.23   10th in heat 1
Scott Jesko            200 M     21.53   3rd in heat 1
Shameron Turner        200 M     21.33   3rd in heat 2
Michael Njenga        5000 M  13:57.93   2nd