July 11, 2009

Cullowhee, N.C. - Former Western Carolina track & field standout, Manteo Mitchell, advanced to the finals in both the men's 200 and 400-meter events on Friday evening at the USA Track and Field National Club Championships at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island in New York City, New York.

The Mooresboro, N.C., native won both of his heats on Friday evening before placing fourth overall in the 400-meter on Saturday afternoon. He was running in the 200-meter finals late in the afternoon - full recap later following the completion of the event.

Through a text message late Friday evening, Mitchell stated that in the 400-meter race, he posted a split of 20.98 through the first 200 meters and eased through the finish to save himself for his additional races. He also commented that he was very pleased with his start in the 200-meter dash which helped him cruise through the finish.

Mitchell also passed along that the tweaked hamstring that bothered him through the second part of the outdoor season this past spring was feeling "great."

In addition to running in the 200 and 400-meter finals on Saturday, Mitchell is also expected to take part in a couple relay events in both the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relay, and possibly a third in the Sprint Medley Relay.

Complete follow-up from the USA Track & Field National Club Championships can be found at www.USATF.org, and CatamountSports.com.