Feb. 14, 2003

FAYETTEVLLE, Ark. - The Baylor track and field team had a solid day at the Tyson Invitational, which was held Friday at the University of Arkansas' Randal Tyson Track Center. The Bears recorded two individual titles, one automatic qualifying time, three provisional marks and a school record at the site of the 2003 NCAA Indoor Championships.

Freshman Jeremy Wariner won the 400-meter race with his second-straight automatic NCAA qualifying time of 46.50 (46.29, 2/8/03). Seth Billy (47.70; 10th) and Robbie Quiroga (47.86, 11th) each recorded season-best times in the event. All-American Darold Williamson was leading his heat, but he was unable to finish the race after straining his hamstring.

On the women's side, All-American April Holliness recorded a provisional long jump mark with a leap of 20-4 ?, which earned her a fourth-place finish. Lakadron Ivery, who recorded a provisional mark in the event earlier in the season, took seventh with a leap of 19-6 ?. Senior Debbie Thornhill recorded a provisional 5,000-meter time of 16:22.95 to take second place. The third provisional time of the day for the Baylor women came from Barbara Petrahn. She clocked a 54.25 to take ninth in the 400, her second-best time of the season in the event (54.24; 2/8/03).

Leah Marbach won the mile with a season-best mark of 5:02.30. Another top performance for the women came from senior Rebecca McPherson. She set the Baylor indoor school record in the pole vault, clearing a height of 10-8 ? to finish 17th.

In all, the Baylor athletes set 30 season-best marks. A complete listing of Friday's results can be found at either www.ladybacks.com or www.hogwired.com.

Competition in Fayetteville continues on Saturday. Two relays and distance runner Kyle King will compete in the Tyson Invitational on Saturday.