March 29, 2003
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Missouri men and women's track teams had a fantastic final day at the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Florida today. The Tigers claimed two more titles at the relays today to give them a total of seven for the meet. Tiger senior All-Americans Russ Bell and Christian Cantwell took titles for the Tigers today; Bell in the discus throw and Cantwell in the shot put.
On the men's side the story of the day was Bell and Cantwell. Bell won the invitational discus throw event with a throw of 181 feet, 11 inches and Bell finished fifth in the invitational hammer throw with a toss of 207 feet, 7 inches. Bell won the collegiate shot put and discus yesterday. Cantwell won the invitational shot put with a throw of 66 feet, 7.75 inches. High jumper Jesse Sims finished third in the invitational high jump with a leap of 7 feet, 0.5 inches. Bell, Cantwell, and Sims were All-Americans for the indoor track and field season.
On the women's side the distance medley relay team of Jill Petersen, Serena Ramsey, Avis Evans, and Ashley Patten finished second with a time of 11:43.56. The Tigers finished just two seconds behind event champion South Carolina. Tiger junior All-American Janae Strickland finished 10th in the invitational shot put with a throw of 47 feet, 10.5 inches. Sophomore Jenny Bybee finished 7th in the invitational high jump with a jump of 5 feet, 6 inches. Bybee won the collegiate high jump yesterday.
The Tigers open up their home outdoor season next Friday and Saturday at Walton Stadium when they host the Missouri Relays.