Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Track and Field Completes Action at Texas Opener
June 21, 1999 | Outdoor Track
March 20, 1999
AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Tech men's and women's track and field teams competed today at the first ever Texas Opener meet at Mike A. Myers stadium on the campus of the University of Texas. For both teams, it was their first competition of the outdoor season.
On the women's side, Leigh Daniel saw her first action since winning the national championships in the 5,000 meters during the indoor season. Daniel won the 3,000 meter run with a time of 9:40.38. Texas Tech's other first place finish came in the 4X100 relay where the women recorded a time of 45.90.
Other notable performances were Tara Hangge finishing third in the 5,000 mters with a time of 18:18.13, Kaneshia Polk jumping 11.63 meters to take second in the triple jump and Tracey Anderson in second in the discus throw with a mark of 45.62
For the men's team, distance runner Boniface Ndungu, competing in his first meet as a Red Raider took third in the 3,000 meters with a time of 8:42.07. Teammate David Leigh finished just behind him in fifth place. Also finishing strong with a third place finish was the men's 4X100 relay team at 40.34.
Other top men's competitors were Michael Franklin finishing fifth in the 200 meters with a time of 21.65 and Rusty Purser finishing sixth in the shot put with a 15.90 meters effort.
"It was good to finally get the outdoor season underway," Director of Track and Field Greg Sholars said. "Leigh Daniel and our 4X100 relay team looked strong for early in the season. Overall, I was satisfied with the effort by our teams today. We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish this outdoor season."