Women's DMR Shatters School Record

NORMAN, Okla. -- The University of Oklahoma women's distance medley relay shattered the school record Friday night in New York at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at The Armory Track in Manhattan. OU placed fourth, running in 11:14.63.

"The team ran a consistent, well-planned race," head coach Martin Smith said. "It was a good result in a very competitive environment. I'm pleased with our effort since this is our first attempt of the season and believe we can improve enough to guarantee a spot in the national championships."

OU's DMR, made up of Catherine Odell, Tijahnni Newton, Kristi Cook and Jessica Eldridge, competed in a loaded field that included 2005 national qualifying teams from No. 8 North Carolina, No. 21 Duke, Arkansas and Villanova as well as nationally ranked No. 1 South Carolina, No. 14 Penn State and No. 16 Louisiana State.

Event Results | Complete Results

Villanova won the race in 11:05.08. The Sooners time was over 15 seconds quicker than the previous school record of 11:30.54 set in 2004. Odell, Cook and Eldridge were also on that DMR.

Smith's last minute decision to enter the event was rewarded as the squad bested the NCAA Championships provisional qualifying standard for the first time in school history.

The run gives OU its seventh provisional qualifying mark of the season under the first-year coaching staff. The Sooners had five competitors qualify for the 2005 national indoor championships.

Odell ran the first leg of the race, covering 1200 meters in 3:28.4; Newton finished her 400 in 54.8; Cook completed the 800 in 2:12.2; and Jessica Eldridge anchored the team, running the 1600 in 4:39.3.

The New Balance Collegiate Invitational continues Saturday.

Oklahoma also hosts the final day of the J.D. Martin Invitational at the Mosier Indoor Facility in Norman on Saturday. Field events begin at 10 a.m. and running events start at 12:30 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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