March 25, 2002

MILWAUKEE - The UWM track and field teams will head to West Lafayette, Ind., this weekend for the Purdue Invitational. The Panthers will be looking to build on some strong performances from Friday at the Washington University Mini-Meet.

UWM also competed at the Purdue Invitational a year ago, where Ken Hunt claimed a victory in the long jump and a fourth-place finish in the triple jump. Stephanie Kenesie led the women's team with a seventh-place finish in the triple jump.

Last Week: UWM competed in the Washington University Mini-Meet and came away with several strong performances to open the outdoor season. Lynda Thiel led the way with three first-place finishes, taking victory in the high jump, pole vault and javelin. Stephanie Kenesie added a pair of wins for UWM, winning both the long jump and the triple jump. The women also got wins from Abby Hurst in the 5000m and Katie Seep in the 400m.

On the men's side, Ken Hunt claimed victory in the triple jump, while Kyle Huebner won the pole vault and Nick Davis took first in the high jump.

Indoor Season Revisited: UWM finished second on the men's side and third on the women's side at the Horizon League Championships, held on Feb. 23 and 24 in Greencastle, Ind. Stephanie Kenesie was named the Horizon League Indoor Championship Outstanding Performer for Field Events after winning both the long jump and triple jump, and placing second in the 60m hurdles.

Nicole Frey won the 200m and also took third place in the 60m, behind teammate Kristy Naef's second-place finish. In the women's distance events, Abby Hurst claimed third place in the 3000m and added a fifth-place showing in the 1000m.

On the men's side, Ken Hunt highlighted the Panthers when he won the men's triple jump and finished second in the long jump. Kyle Huebner won the pole vault and finished fifth in both the high jump and triple jump. Nick Davis added a win in the high jump and grabbed a third-place finish in the triple jump. Eric Gresham captured a pair of second-place finishes, one in the 200m and one in the 400m. Jon Manke also placed in both throwing events, taking second in the shot put and third in the weight throw. Cornelius Hill finished second in the mile and the took fourth in the 5000m. UWM also took first place in the men's 4x400m relay, winning in 3:21.50.

Several Panthers competed in the Last Chance Qualifier at Iowa State on March 1. Abby Hurst won the 5000m, while Cornelius Hill was fifth in the mile and Katie Seep finished fifth in the 400m. Ken Hunt took second in the triple jump and Jon Manke took third in the shot put.

Up Next: UWM will travel to Charleston, Ill., on April 5 and 6 for the Eastern Illinois Invitational.