March 5, 2004
The University of Notre Dame played host to the first day of the Alex Wilson Invitational on Friday evening, giving teams from across the country a last chance to qualify for the NCAA Championship next weekend in Fayetteville, Ark.
Several athletes to advantage of that opportunity – including six automatic qualifying teams in the men’s distance medley relay. Minnesota (9:31.53), Georgetown (9:32.65), Wisconsin (9:33.02), Texas A&M (9:33.12), Texas (9:34.46) and Colorado State (9:34.98) all earned a spot in the National Championship meet on March 12 and 13.
Notre Dame’s highlight on the evening was provided by sophomore Stacey Cowan, who cleared 1.78m (5-8 1/2) to win the women’s high jump competition.
Also competing well for the Irish on Friday night were its two top men’s throwers. Senior Juan Alba, coming off a runner up finish in the weight throw at the BIG EAST Championship with an 18.06m toss took second in the Alex Wilson Invitational with a 17.98m measurement. Junior Chip Roberts finished behind his teammate in third place with a personal-best toss of 17.12m.
Due to the long jump running long on Friday evening, those results (along with the women’s high jump) will be available in Saturday’s results packet.
Competition begins at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow with the women’s triple jump. The running events begin at 12:00 noon with the preliminaries of the 60-meter hurdles.