March 16, 2001

Orlando, FL - University of Toledo track athletes ran at the Disney Relays in Orlando, FL today. UT distance runners overcame intense heat and humidity to win all day-one events.

With 40-mph winds and a race-time temperature of 86 degrees, the Rocket 4x1-mile relay team set a new Disney record with a time of 20:37.65. Sophomores Briana Shook (Tiffen, OH), Katherine Smyth (Nelson, New Zealand), freshman Jessica Faulk (Harpster, OH) and sophomore Kia Minkkinen (Turku, Finland) ran by Iowa down the stretch for the victory and record.

"We did a good job of beating the heat and humidity in this race," said Coach Kevin Hadsell. "To beat Iowa off the final leg was great."

Toledo senior Emily Loroupe (Nakuru, Kenya) won the 3,000-meters with UT teammate Katerine Smyth finishing second. Junior Sara Vergote (Kalkaska, MI) won the 3,000-meter steeplechase in its' first year as a collegiate event. Vergote won the event, finishing over a minute better than her nearest opponent.

"I'm really proud of her," said Hadsell. "This is the first year of the steeplechase and she is one of the first girls in our conference to attempt it. She ran very well and I think that she'll be a force in the MAC in this event."

The Disney Relays continue on Saturday, Mar. 17 with events taking place throughout the day.