HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i women's track and field squad participated in the third Sunrise Meet of the spring season this morning at Cooke Field. The competition included teams and individual athletes from around the island. The UH athletes turned in numerous highlights at today's events, including the record in UH's unique coconut toss event. Although the UH participants were the sole collegiate team, Head Coach Carmyn James appreciates the value the sunrise meets hold.

"It's great to have these sunrise meets because it gets them into a competitive mode, even though they're mostly against themselves," said James.

Dana Buchanan was the top UH finisher in the 1000m (2:55.78), notching second. Buchanan is ranked 6th in the 800m (2:13.85) on the latest WAC Top Performance Poll, released Feb 17. Kelly Young, who is ranked 9th in the 800m (2:15.09) had a strong showing in the 300m Hurdles (44.50), taking third and finishing on top amongst the UH competitors.

Kelsey Smith had a phenomenal day as she notched the top spot in the javelin (37.48), a score good enough for 6th on UH's All-Time Performance List. Novelle Murray, ranked 10th in the WAC in the 20 lbs. weight throw, placed atop the event today (15.58). Murray, the 2003 WAC Indoor discus champion, also relinquished the record in the coconut toss (26.31), by almost three meters.

Today's event was the last training oppurtunty for the 14 athletes on the squad who will be leaving next week to compete in the WAC Indoor Track Championships Feb. 26-28 at Boise State. This will be UH's second appearance at the event and the squad is looking to improve on last year's ninth place finish.

"With two indoor opportunities, they're definitely going to be more prepared," said James. "Last year, we just sent six athletes directly to the WAC, and the six we sent didn't get to compete in any other meets. Now, we experienced the facility and know what to expect this year."