ATLANTA (Mar. 15) – The Georgia Tech men’s and women’s track teams open the 2000 outdoor season by taking a limited contingent to the Springtime Invitational Saturday at Auburn.
The Tech women placed 50th in last weekend’s NCAA Indoor Championships, with Sara Pardue (Aurora, Colo.) earning all-America honors for the 800 meters and the distance medley relay, on which she teamed with Becky Megesi (Jonesboro, Ga.), Nicole Campbell (Ventura, Calif) and Coquese Renfroe (Denver, Colo.). On the men’s side, junior Clayton Porter (Chesapeake, Va.) claimed all-America accolades with his ninth place finish in the long jump.
None of those athletes, however, will compete this weekend as the Yellow Jackets will begin the outdoor season with a concentration on youth.
“This is a good meet to get the outdoor season started,” said head women’s coach Alan Drosky. “We’re going to rest some of our veterans and take a look at some younger athletes.”
Men’s head coach Grover Hinsdale concurred, “This is an opportunity for some young guys to show what they can do and earn a spot on the travel squad.”
A pair of experienced men’s athletes who will compete this weekend are senior Malcolm Leason (Wilmington, Del.) in the triple jump and junior Chris Sinotte (Mountain Home, Ark.) in the javelin.
“Malcolm came on strong at the end of the indoor season,” said Hinsdale. “He qualified provisionally and was very disappointed that he didn’t make the NCAA’s, so he’s ready to begin the outdoor season. Chris is another one who’s eager to get started since his event is only outdoor.”
Highlighting the women’s contingent this weekend are senior Linda Lisska (Lawrenceville, Ga.) in the 3,000 meters, a former conference champion; senior Ayana Grant (Oakland, Calif.) in the 100 hurdles; sophomore Mishanta Reyes (Bronx, N.Y.) in the long jump; freshman Cassandra Worthy (Powder Springs, Ga.) in the shot put and discus; and freshman Jessia DeFreitas (Lanham, Md.) in the 100 meters and long jump.
