Jan. 29, 2003

LEXINGTON, Ky. – After both the University of Kentucky men’s and women’s track teams finished third in last weekend’s SEC Challenge, the squads are both ranked in this week’s TrackOnline.com poll. The women, in their second week in the rankings, advance five spots to No. 13, while the men enter the rankings for the first time at No. 14.

In addition, several Wildcat performances rank highly on the national level. David Freeman’s personal-best time of 1:47.40 in the men’s 800 meters last weekend ranks second nationally this season, while his teammates Hunter Spencer (fifth), Paul Ciurlys (sixth), Chad Johnson (seventh) and James Doaty (10th) comprise half of the event’s top 10.

Junior Jeff Chakouian’s shot put toss of 62-07.75 last weekend ranks fourth in the nation and Hunter Spencer’s time of 4:02.34 in the mile two weeks ago still ranks third. Rounding out the UK men’s top performances is junior Ernest Simms, whose 60-meters time of 6.71 is 15th this week.

For the women, Simidele Adeagbo still ranks first in the nation with her triple jump of 43-01.75 on Jan. 17. Janet Crawford’s season-opening high jump of 5-11.25 is the sixth best showing in the event this year. Beth Heimann crossed the national radar this week with her time of 2:07.70 in the 800 meters, which ranks third.

The Wildcats will return to action on Friday, Feb. 7 for the Rod McCravy Memorial in Lexington, Ky. However, the men’s distance medley relay team of Hunter Spencer, Chad Johnson, David Freeman and Thomas Morgan has been invited to compete in the event at the Adidas Boston Indoor Games on Saturday, Feb. 1. The race will be broadcast on espn2 at 6 p.m. ET.