The NCAA News - News and Features

March 9, 1998

Division III Women's Indoor Track

Lady Captains lead contenders

Event: 1998 Division III Women's Indoor Track Championships.

Overview: Last year, Christopher Newport's team rode the performances of four women to the title. If the Lady Captains are to win again, it will be with another small contingent. The team is led by senior Bridgett Cochran and junior Meshailay Robinson. Cochran, the defending champion in the 55-meter hurdles, posted the nation's top mark in the 55 hurdles (8.27 seconds) through February 17. Robinson, the 1997 55-meter dash champion, again leads the way in that event, having registered a top time of 7.18. Cochran and Robinson also team with Denita Eason and Jenita Harris on the squad's 1,600-meter relay. The Lady Captains also should receive points from Casey Taylor and Tamika Lomax (long jump) .... If the Lady Captains can't repeat last year's performance, Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Wheaton (Massachusetts) are the most likely contenders for the crown. Wisconsin-Oshkosh, third a year ago, looks to regain the form that earned it three of the last four titles. The Titans boast a lineup that includes seniors Tiffany Speckman-Ebensperger (5,000-meter run), Sherry Eckhardt (shot put and weight throw) and sophomore Rachel Milligan (800- and 1,500-meter runs). Speckman-Ebensperger posted the top qualifying mark in the 5,000 (17:26.8), while Milligan had the top time in the 800 (2:14.22) and ranked sixth in the 1,500 (4:44.21 converted). Eckhardt was third in the shot put (13.34 meters/43 feet, 91Ž4 inches). Wheaton's strength is in the sprints. The Lyons showcase sophomore Angela Mullins, the top qualifier in the 400-meter dash (57.43); freshman Colleen Myrie, fourth in the 400 (58.40) and sixth in the 55-meter dash (7.32); sophomore Deshawnda Williams, third in the 400 (57.57); and freshman Tenille Johnson, third in the 55 hurdles (8.40). The Lyons also boast the top 1,600-meter relay team of Mullins, Myrie, Williams and Amy Swanson (3:53.48).

Field: The Division III Championships Committee has approved a qualifying procedure that allows for a maximum of 149 student-athletes.

Dates and site: March 13-14 at Brandeis.

Information/results: The fax-on-demand telephone number is 770/399-3060 (passcode 1915); request numbers are 1584 for dates/site/schedule, 5284 for qualifiers, 5285 for first-day results, 5286 for second-day results and 5287 for finals-only results. Championship results also will be available on the World Wide Web at www.ncaa.org. Results will be published in the March 23 issue of The NCAA News.