KU Heads to Norman for John Jacobs Invitational

April 9, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Coming off a solid performance last weekend at the Jim Click Shootout in Tucson, Ariz., the Kansas track & field team looks to continue its success Saturday as the Jayhawks travel to the John Jacobs Invitational in Norman, Okla.

Nickesha Anderson posted victories in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4×100-meter relay in Tucson, including regional qualifying marks in both the 100 and 200. The senior from Hanover, Jamaica, will not compete in those events in Norman but will take part in the 400 meters and 4×400-meter relay. Anderson helped the Kansas 4×400 team to a second-place finish at the Jim Click Shootout. It is her first time running the 400 meters this season.

Freshman Corey Fuller, who posted a regional qualifying mark in winning the triple jump at Arizona, will look to improve on his qualifying time this weekend.

Freshman Keith Hayes, one of the brightest stars from the indoor season, will make his outdoor debut at the John Jacobs Invitational, running the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and 4×400-meter relay. Also competing in those three events will be freshman Keyen Porter. Porter won the 110-meter hurdles at the weather-shortened Missouri Relays on March 27.

More Jayhawks to look for in Norman will be senior Victoria Howard (200 meters, 4×400-meter relay), Bret Imgrund (800 meters, 1,500 meters), Lauren Bonds (800 meters, 1,500 meters), Sha’Ray Butler (400-meter hurdles, 4×400-meter relay), Charity Stowers (800 meters, 4×400-meter relay) and Keron Toussaint (400 meters, 4×400-meter relay).

The Kansas throwers, including four who have already regionally qualified, will not be making the trip to Norman as they will travel to the KT Woodman Invitational Saturday at Wichita State University. Brian Bishop (discus), Stephanie Horton (shot put), Emily Reimer (shot put) and Zlata Tarasova (hammer throw) are the regional qualifiers competing in Wichita.

At the John Jacobs Invitational, the Jayhawks will face off against host Oklahoma and Oklahoma State from the Big 12 as well as Arkansas, Oral Roberts, SMU and the University of Texas-Arlington.

Collegiate action at the John Jacobs Track and Field Complex will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. CDT with the women’s javelin.

Check www.kuathletics.com for complete results following the completion of the day’s events.