FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2009

Lions track and field teams qualify eight for 2009 Outdoor Nationals

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams have qualified eight individuals in eight different events for the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships to be held May 21-23 at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.

Senior Phillip Horn qualified in two different events for the Lions. The 2009 Outdoor Decathlon champ, Horn ranks 10th nationally and will be looking for his second-straight All-American in the event. He has also qualified in the 110m hurdles, ranking 15th nationally in the event.

Freshman Seth Hackney, who finished seventh at the 2009 MIAA Outdoor Championsihps in the shot put, has qualified in the event and ranks 12th nationally. Hackney's top throw of 16.53 meters is one of seven throwers from the MIAA to populate the event that invited just 16 this year.

In the women's side, sophomore Jill Weeks (javelin), senior Kara Eckard (3k steeplechase) and junior Ciara Lipsey (pole vault) all automatically qualified in their events. Weeks ranks fourth nationally, while Lipsey ranks sixth and Eckard ranks 19th. Eckard's event is the most competitive it's been in recent years with all 19 individuals competing, earning an automatic qualification this year.

Junior Kimi Shank, the 2009 MIAA champion in the outdoor 5k and 10k has qualified for the 10k and ranks 11th nationally in the event. Both junior Emilie Mieseler and senior Cortney Vie have qualified in the hammer throw, ranking 10th and 11th, respectively in Division II.