April 19, 2003

AZUSA, Calif. - The University of Missouri men's and women's track teams had a wet and cold weekend at two events attended by Tiger athletes this weekend. Three Tiger distance runners qualified in the 5000 meters at the Mt. SAC Relays in Azusa, California and rain washed away many Tiger hopefuls at the Kansas Relays in Lawrence, Kansas.

The state of California usually boasts great weather in the month of April but at the Mt. SAC Relays in Azusa, California that was not the case. However, cold conditions that required heavy coats and gloves did not slow down three Tiger runners who will join at least 15 more teammates at the NCAA Regional in Columbus, Ohio in May. Freshmen Tim Ross, Valerie Lauver, and sophomore Serena Ramsey all qualified for the regional in the 5000 meters. Earlier in the week senior co-captain Fiona Asigbee won the heptathlon at the meet.

Rain, lightning, thunderstorms, and cold weather were the less than desirable conditions that faced Missouri track and field athletes at the Kansas Relays. Many Tiger athletes did not compete at the relays for a greater risk of injury. Missouri head track and field coach Rick McGuire said, "The conditions were terrible. We don't want injuries to our athletes because of wet, sloppy, and cold conditions. It was a situation where we didn't know what the conditions would be and even if they got better it would be horribly wet and sloppy. Unfortunately it was a washout meet and a lot of athletes from a lot of different schools went home. Without any question we don't want unhealthy kids because of ridiculous conditions."

The Tigers are scheduled to compete next at the prestigious Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa next week.