University of Albany Steeplechasers Lead Track and Field on First Day of Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa. – Laura Cummings and Ricardo Estremera each met the NCAA East Regional Championship standard in the 3,000-meter steeplechase to lead the UAlbany men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams at the 115th running of the Penn Relays on Thursday, April 23. In addition, Kamilah McShine factored into a pair of ECAC qualifying marks on a blustery afternoon and evening at Franklin Field.

In the first event of the day, McShine placed second in her section and 13th overall among 59 competitors in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles championship. She navigated the track in 1:01.40, which was her second-fastest time ever. The senior captain then teamed up with Jenn Gurrant, Quante Harris and Fey Adaramola on the women’s 4x100-meter relay team which placed fifth in its heat and 43rd overall. Battling against winds which were gusting up to 26 miles per hour, the group crossed the tape in an ECAC qualifying time of 48.33 seconds.

Cummings, who holds the school record in the event, finished fifth in the steeplechase with a season-best mark of 10:40.64 to qualify for the regional meet. Estremera, who was the only member of the men’s team competing on the first day of the national meet, met the regional mark for the third time in as many chances this spring. He placed 10th in 9:01.76. Both student-athletes were competing in the men's and women's championship races.

The UAlbany men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams will continue competing at the Penn Relays on Friday, April 24.

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UAlbany Men’s Results

3,000-Meter Steeplechase (Championship): 10. Ricardo Estremera 9:01.76 (NCAA Regional).

UAlbany Women’s Results

400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Championship): 13. Kamilah McShine 1:01.40 (ECAC). 3,000-Meter Steeplechase (Championship): 5. Laura Cummings 10:40.64 (NCAA Regional). Long Jump (Eastern): 14. Jenn Gurrant 18-6.50. Pole Vault (College): NH. Celine Cauderlier. Discus Throw: FOUL. Ritshell Verdier. Shot Put (Eastern): 22. Kadine Johnson 39-3, 24. Ritshell Verdier 38-7.50, 32. Ashley Lewis 34-2. 4x100-Meter Relay (Heats): 43. Kamilah McShine, Jenn Gurrant, Quante Harris, Fey Adaramola 48.33 (ECAC). 4x400-Meter Relay (Heats): 41. Melissa Lee, Zuliana Fontanez, Tierra Chavis, Fey Adaramola 3:55.40.