March 31, 2006

Greenville, SC -- The Furman men's and women's track and field teams will host the eighth annual 2006 Jack in the Box Furman Invitational Track and Field Meet on Saturday at the Irwin Belk Complex for Track and Field/Kelsey-West Track. The high school meet will begin at 8 a.m., with the collegiate competition starting at 12:30 p.m.

The first-ever Blue Shoes Mile, a fun run for students, alumni, and friends, will begin at 12:30 p.m. with all proceeds benefitting the Furman track and field programs.

The Paladins will welcome collegiate teams from Augusta State, Mars Hill, Southern Maine, and Wofford, and high school teams from South Carolina and Illinois to compete in the event.

Furman is led by Page Bridges, Chibuzo Aguocha, and Whitney Jones, who have each set all-time Furman records in their respective events this season. Bridges set the new standard in the women's 3000 meter steeplechase at the USC Weems Baskin Sprint Relays with a time of 11:22.41 two weeks ago. Aguocha, who set the women's triple jump record last year, set a new mark in the women's long jump with a leap of 18-03.25 feet last weekend at the Clemson Relays. Jones set a new school record in the 100 meter hurdles at the Clemson Relays with a time of 15.12.

The women's 4x800 meter relay team made up of Rebecca Mullen, Brittnay Thompson, McKenzie Sharpe, and Lindsey Barker set a new Furman record with a time of 9:17.78 at the USC Weems Baskin Sprint Relays.

The men's team is led by David Moseley, Furman record holder in the men's javelin with a throw of 201-02 feet at the USC Weems Baskin Sprint Relays. Senior Tyler Johnson ran a season-best time of 14:41.20 in the 5,000 meter run last weekend at the Raleigh Relays.

The men's 4x800 meter relay team, Patrick Morgan, Andrew Mullen, Joe Tenini, and Johnson, set a new Furman record with a time of 7:52.17 at the USC Weems Baskin Sprint Relays.

Furman is under the leadership of head coach Gene Mullin in his 23rd year. Mullin, a seven-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year, has coached athletes to 230 All-Southern Conference citations and 377 Academic Honor Roll Awards in the last 15 years.

All meet results will be posted on the school's official athletic website, www.furmanpaladins.com