Lady Raiders win SBC Outdoor title; Men place 5th

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The Middle Tennessee men's and women's track teams turned in strong performances at the 2005 Sun Belt Conference Championships as the women won their second outright outdoor title and the men placed fifth. It marked the first SBC outdoor title for the Lady Raiders since they won the 2000 championship.

Legendary Middle Tennessee track coach Dean Hayes added to his collection of championships by recording his 40th conference title and fifth women's outdoor championship overall.

"It was as close to a perfect meet as we could have run," Hayes said. "The kids did a great job all the way through the meet. It has been a tough year for our teams with all the injuries, but this is a great way to end it."

Kishara George once again shined at the SBC event by winning both the 400 meters and the 400 meter hurdles. George, who was also on the winning 4x400 relay team, had a time of 53.29 in the 400 meters, while registering a season-best time of 58.72 in the hurdles.

The 4x400 relay team of George, Kerry Barrow, Antranet Stringer, and Shanna-Kay Campbell brought home a first place finish with a time of 3:40.84. That time was a regional qualifying performance.

Laetitia Florimond was also impressive as she placed second in the discus and fourth in the shot put, while Candice Robertson won the 110 hurdles in a time of 14.17.

Meaghan Byrd came in second in the shot put with a personal best throw of 45-07.25.

On the men's side, the Blue Raiders finished just one half point out of fourth place in what was a very solid effort. Linnie Yarbrough won the 110 meter hurdles in a time of 13.73, while VanTonio Fraley placed third in both the 100 and 200 meter events.

Benvictor Sang finished fourth in the 1500 meters and Eric Mamadou Kone placed fifth in the 800 meters.

(On Monday, look for a wrap-up on GoBlueRaiders.com on the SBC Championship)

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.