April 7, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas - With weather that was unfavorable to outdoor track, many competitors cut the meet short, not chancing the risks on Saturday's final day in Austin. Most of the Red Raiders packed their bags and returned to Lubbock during the afternoon, leaving behind the women's distance medley relay members as well as senior Marlon Odom.

The shining moments of the day for Tech were finishing first in both events that Red Raiders remained behind for. The DMR squad consisting of Irene Kimaiyo, Tori Polk, Asia Diaz and Sally Kipyego took the title in the event with a run of 11:39.42. The Red Raiders finished eight seconds ahead of Oral Roberts. The event originally had 18 teams set to compete, but wet and chilly conditions prevented four from running. The victory marks Tech's first time winning the DMR at the Texas Relays.

Senior hurdler Odom, who qualified for the finals in the 110M hurdles on Thursday after running at time of 13.84, also made the stay worth it. The Killeen, Texas, native took the title in the event after clocking a 14.12, finishing ahead of Washington State's Robert Williams who ran a time of 14.18. The Texas Relays crown marks Odom's career first as well as Tech's first 110M hurdle title. Five of the nine who qualified for the finals showed for the race.

The Red Raiders will be hoping for more encouraging weather as they compete at the UTEP Invitational in El Paso, Texas, on Sat., April 14th. Several Tech members will also make the trip to the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif., which are set to begin on Fri., April 13th. For complete coverage, including a meet preview, please visit www.texastech.com.