Sports
 

Indoor track jumps out to speedy start

Burrell preps team for C-USA contention; Outdoor season hits stride in March

By Barrett Goldsmith
The Daily Cougar

The UH track and field team is hoping to regain its former dominance. 

It won't be easy. 

If the Cougars want to step up to the level of former Cougar greats Carl Lewis, Jolanda Jones and current head coach Leroy Burrell, they will have a long way to go.

Fortunately, Houston looks as if it's headed in the right direction.

The indoor track team hosted a non-scoring meet Saturday at the Yeoman Field House, and the Cougars showed they will be competitive this season in Conference USA. 

UH placed in the top five in 16 men's and women's events, and took first place in three events. Though no other C-USA teams competed in the tournament, the Cougars jumped out of the starting blocks in a big way. 

Sophomore Alicia Cave ran an NCAA provisional time of 8.37 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles, earning third place in the tournament. For her efforts, Cave was selected as the C-USA Co-Athlete of the Week, joining Chandra Brewer of South Florida.

UH dominated the men's shotput. Johnathan Reeves took first with a 16.81 meter throw, and Lucas Mireles earned second place for throw of 16.75 meters.

In the women's weight throw, the Cougars took the top three places. Shayla Bowman earned first place with a throw of 16.50 meters. Allie Booker took second place with 15.75 meters, and Tinisha Wesley finished third with a throw of 14.51 meters. 

Burrell has had a successful tenure at the helm and will continue to lead the Cougars with the same intensity that he showed when he was setting the UH track afire during his collegiate career.

The outdoor season does not begin until March, but the indoor season will get into full swing in February. The Cougars have their sights set on the C-USA championships, which will be played on their home turf beginning Feb. 27. 

The indoor team will next be in action Friday at the Leonard Hilton Memorial tournament at the Yeoman Field House.

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