AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Kentucky track and field team had a strong start in the opening day of the 74th Clyde LittlefieldTexas Relays at Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, April 5, 2001.

Freshman Caitlin Phillips ran her top time of the season in the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:14.03, giving her a sixth-placefinish in the event. On the field, junior Aisha Smith set a new school record and personal best in the hammer throw with a toss of173-09.00. She topped her old mark of 167-05.00 set in competition earlier this season.

Leading the men’s side was the 4×800 meters relay team of sophomores Patton Segraves and Chad Johnson and freshmen PaulCiurlys and David Freeman. They finished a close race in fourth place with a time of 7:30.37. Fellow Cat, Bill Powers, set a newseason best and finished sixteenth in the hammer throw. Powers topped his old mark of 168-05.00 with a toss of 174-06.00 intoday’s event.

The Cats will continue competition in the Texas Relays on Friday, April 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the women’s longjump.

Women’s 3,000 Meters1. Fride Vullum       Tulsa           9:38.706. Caitlin Phillips   Kentucky        10:14.03Women’s Hammer Throw1. Florence Ezeh      S Methodist 210-04.0014. Aisha Smith         Kentucky   173-09.0021. Rebecca Wedel   Kentucky     161-05.00Men’s 4x800 Meter Relay1. Baylor                7:25.404. Kentucky             7:30.37Men’s Hammer Throw1. Dylan Armstrong      Texas           227-04.0016. Bill Powers Kentucky        174-06.00