ANGOLA, IN - The Spring Arbor University Women's Track team competed in the Trine University Invitational Friday afternoon and came home Champions finishing 1^st of eight teams. The Cougars amassed 173 points to take the top spot followed by Judson with 150, Trine with 74.5.

Carissa Hudson led Spring Arbor taking first place in the 1000m run with a time of 3:00.87 which was good enough to qualify her for the NAIA National Meet and ranks her 2^nd in the NAIA as well as the NCCAA National Championships in that event. The time places her 5^th on the All-Time list in the Spring Arbor University Archives.

Emily Gibler took the top spot in the Shot Put event tossing the shot a total of 40' 3 1/2 " which was two feet clear of her nearest competitor. Her efforts earned her a spot at the NCCAA National Invitational.

The Cougars relay teams were also performing well as the 4X200m relay team of Amanda Curtis, Kayla Finkbeiner, Jessica Lee, and Katrina Bean qualified for the NCCAA's as well as the 4X400m team of Amanda Curtis, Crouch, Liz Bone, and Alley Comden.

Season Best performances in the 200m were: Amanda Curtis (27.91), Kayla Finkbeiner (28.37), Jessica Lee (28.52), Tammera Bean (29.04), and Meg Joiner (29.49)

Season Best in the 400m were: Shana Crouch 1:03.88, which also qualified her for the NCCAA National Championship.

Michaela Crew ran the 1000m race in 3:04.94 which places her in the 6^th spot on the All-Time list behind Hudson.

In the mile, Elley Hinkle posted a time of 5:38.15 good for 3^rd place, and Cayla Pusey ran the race in 5:46.20 for 6^th place.

Katrina Bean posted a season best time of 11:21.93 to capture first place honors in the 3000m race and was followed by teammate Elizabeth Scothorn with her season best 11:24.20 for a 1-2 finish for the Cougars in that event.

In the High Jump, Spring Arbor took command with Erika Mestagh and Kayla Finkbeiner both clearing a height of 1.47m (4' 9.5") to win the meet but Mestagh was declared the winner with less misses throughout the event.

In all, Spring Arbor took first place in five events on the day taking the crown in the 4X200m relay, the 1000m, 3000m, High Jump, and the Shot Put events.

"It was a tremendous meet for the entire team," said Head Coach, Mark Miller. "The Ladies really battled and did very well overall. We had several ladies who made personal best times along with season best performances. I very pleased with their progress this year and our results our ahead of last year's pace.

Next up for the Cougars is the University of Findley in Findley, OH. That meet is scheduled for Friday, February 3^rd.