SPU Frosh 3rd Going into 2nd Day of Heptathlon; Lavin Advances
May 22, 2003

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (May 22) - Danielle Ayers-Stamper of Seattle Pacific University is in third place, just 65 points out of the lead, going into the second and final day of the heptathlon at the NCAA Division II Track & Field Championships at Ralph Korte Stadium.

The Falcons' Josie Lavin (So., Bremerton, Wa.) also won her heat of the women's 1500-meter run to earn a spot in Saturday's final.

Ayers-Stamper (Fr., LaCrosse, Wa.), the only freshman in the field of 16, completed the first day with a season-best time of 26.63 seconds in the 200 dash and her four-event total of 3042 points was a personal best.

Sarah Hoffman of South Dakota is the leader with 3107. Ayers-Stamper has two remaining strong events, the long jump and javelin, along with the 800 Friday.

"Danielle's going to be right in the thick of it," said SPU Coach Jack Hoyt. "She was real solid. I can see this thing coming down to the final event."

Laura Widman (Sr., Colfax, Wa.) was 12th with 2773 points, slightly behind the pace of her qualifying meet two weeks ago. The difference was a high jump of 5-1 3/4 compared to 5-2 1/2, and a 200 time of 27.06. Widman has been hampered by foot and hamstring injuries throughout the season.

"Laura's feeling good physically, better than she did in her last meet," said Hoyt. "Her plan is to go for it in the long jump and hopefully get into the top eight."

Ayers-Stamper ran a wind-aided 14.69 in the 100 hurdles, was third in the high jump (5-4 1/4) and she and Widman placed 3-4 in the shot put (38-7 and 38-4).

Nine women were within 200 points of the lead after the first day. Not among them was favorite Amber Miller of Angelo State, who was a distant 13th (2764). Lincoln's Nikkisha Maynard, second currently at 3090, is a strong long-jumper and 800 runner.

In qualifying heats, Lavin advanced with the best time among the two prelim heats. She used a kick to come from the back of the pack, take the lead with 200 left and win in 4:35.52. Paul Mach (Jr., Seattle, Wa./King's) did not make it to the men's 400 hurdles final. His time of 53.61 was good for fifth in his heat and 16th overall.

Friday's schedule includes not only the completion of the heptathlon but also Sarah Kraybill's prelim heat in the 800 and the pole vault finals, featuring Ally Studer.