BOISE, Idaho - University of Hawai`i two-sport athlete Amber Kaufman broke the school record in the high jump on the final day of the 2008 Western Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships Saturday at Bronco Stadium. As a team, the Rainbow Wahine placed sixth with 74.5 points while Louisiana Tech captured its fourth consecutive team title.

Kaufman, a starter on the nationally ranked women's volleyball team, cleared 6-0.5 (1.84m) edging teammate Emily Sheppard (5-11.25/1.81m) for her first career WAC gold medal. Kaufman's mark is the second highest in the country this season and is a "B" standard for the U.S. Olympic Team. Multi-event athlete Annett Wichmann placed fifth after a jump of 5-6.5 (1.69m).

"For Amber, what an amazing effort to clear 1.84, she was just sitting over it," UH head coach Carmyn James said. "She'll be able to get to nationals with that mark. It was extra special for Emily too, to have to go between triple jump and high jump all while being sick. It was a great way to end the meet for us."

In the team standings, LaTech out-pointed Idaho (122), Fresno State (121.5), Utah State (100), Nevada (91), Hawai'i (74.5), New Mexico State (64.5), and Boise State (64.5). Over the four-day competition, the Rainbow Wahine collected six medals - two golds, one silver, and three bronze.

"Missing Thalia (Amanakis) really hurt us but we can't do anything about that," James said. "She could have won the 400-hurdles and would've contended in the 400. But it was a good effort on our team, there were lots of enthusiasm, everyone was focused and willing to do multiple events without having it affect their primary events."

The Rainbow Wahine earned six team points in the discus as Alana Faagai (150-11/46.01m), Careena Onosai (149-0/45.42m), and Brittani Daniels (148-5/45.23m) placed Nos. 6, 7, and 8. Onosai's throw was a new personal best.

In the 800-meter run, Samantha Whitehall placed sixth, and with it second team all-WAC honors, after clocking in with a personal-best 2:18.92. Sheppard took seventh in the triple with a leap of 38-7 (11.76m).

The Rainbow Wahine will next compete at the NCAA West Regionals, May 30-31 in Northridge, Calif. UH qualified a school-record 10 athletes to the meet. In addition, Wichmann already has qualified for the NCAA Championships in the heptathlon and Sheppard's high jump mark will likely get her there as well.

WAC Outdoor Championship Final Results

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