Weekly Release #10

Upcoming Schedule
Fri-Sat., March 30-31 -- at Raleigh Relays (Raleigh, N.C.)
Fri-Sat., April 6-7 -- at Duke Invitational (Durham, N.C.)

Wolverines Pack Bags for Carolina
The University of Michigan men's track and field team will head this weekend (Friday and Saturday, March 30-31) to the Raleigh Relays, hosted by North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C. This is the first time the Wolverines will take part in the non-scoring two-day event on the Paul Derr Track and Field Stadium. It will also mark the first outdoor competition for the full Maize and Blue squad. Michigan sent a partial team to the Aztec Invitational this past weekend (March 24).

Okenwa Shines Brightest in First Outdoor Meet
Junior Ike Okenwa (San Diego, Calif./Morse HS) led the way for the Maize and Blue's partial squad at the Aztec Invitational (March 24) in San Diego, Calif. Okenwa won the 200-meter dash (21.50) and was the second leg of the first-place 1,600-meter relay team. Senior Ravi Smith (Southfield, Mich./Lathrup HS) led the 1,600-meter relay team to a fast start, and added a runner-up finish in the 400 (48.29).

Fresh Faces Run in San Diego
Freshman Anthony Beal (Farmington Hills, Mich./North Farmington HS) and sophomore Anthony Wishart (Yellow Springs, Ohio/Belleview HS) both made their 2001 debut at the Aztec Invitational (March 24). Beal, who was in his first competition as a Wolverine, was 10th and 17th in the 400- and 200-meter dashes, respectively. Wishart, who was coming off an injury, performed well with a sixth- and ninth-place showings in the 400 and 200, respectively.

Yee Makes Strides as an Individual
Freshman Chris Yee (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer HS) was an instrumental part of the 1,600-meter relay team during the indoor season. During the Aztec Invitational (March 24), Yee demonstrated his ability to compete on an individual basis. In the first outdoor meet of his career, Yee placed in 23rd in the 200-meter dash, but came back with a fourth-place showing in the 400.

Co-Captains Finally Compete Together
Senior co-captains Andy Derr (Lititz, Pa./Warwick HS) and Josh Sellers (Syracuse, N.Y./West Genesee HS) were both a part of the Aztec Invitational (March 24), making it the first time this season both captains competed at the same meet. Derr, who specializes in the javelin, came in 10th with a throw of 165-9. Sellers fared a bit better than his counterpart as he finished fourth in the 400-intermediate hurdles and was the final leg of the first-place 1,600-meter relay team.

PR's Fall in San Diego
Even though only eight Wolverines competed at the Aztec Invitational (March 24), three personal bests were achieved over the weekend, including two by Anthony Beal. Here is the list: