April 30, 2002
Knoxville, Tenn. - A handful of the Western Carolina Track and Field Team traveled to Tennessee on Sunday for the Knoxville Invitational and represented the Catamounts well. Michelle Velez and Laura Tieszen took first and second place respectively in the women's pole vault at 12'7.5". Not only was this a personal best for Tieszen, but with that jump she qualified for the NCAA Championships in May. Velez, who has already qualified for the national competition in the event, captured first by virtue of fewer misses. Tricia Shepard came in 10th for the event at 10'8".
Also placing for the Catamounts was Virginia LaCombe who tied for second in the women's high jump at 5'6". For the men, Charles Rice came in seventh in the pole vault at 15'11.25". Eric Wimpey finished ninth in the javelin throw at a distance of 166'4".
Western Carolina has begun preparations for the Georgia Invitational held on Saturday, May 4th and the Jesse Owens Classic on Sunday, May 5th.