Jan. 14, 2002

Milwaukee, Wis. - University of Illinois at Chicago track and field coach Jim Knoedel could barely hide his enthusiasm following the Flames' season-opening meet at the UW-Milwaukee Open on Friday night.

After all, between the men's and women's squads, UIC had two champions and nine runner-up finishes.

"I am very excited," Knoedel said. "This is the best start to the season that we've had ever.

On the men's side, UIC received a first-place finish from freshman Whitney Burns in the 1-mile run (4:29.1). The Flames also received second-place marks from Jason Thomas (55-meter dash, 6.5), Rich Daubert (8:49.2), Bob Thurnhoffer (long jump, 21'5") and Nick Gazis (weight throw, 29'6½).

Thomas, Thurnhoffer and Gazis each competed as unattatched athletes.

Junior Jon White recorded a personal-best 20'7" for a fourth-place finish in the long jump.

On the women's side, Simeko Washington captured the weight throw title with a toss of 38'8" and a runner-up finish in the shot-put (39'9¼").

The Flames also received second-place finishes from Monieka Thompson (600-meter dash, 1:36.7), Jessica Pancoska (1 mile run, 5:26.5), Sara O'Mara (weight throw, 35'4") and Lindsey Schwerman (long jump, 15'5").

Knoedel believes that if Friday's performance is any indication of the future, good things are in store for his Flames.

"As long as we continue to improve throughout the indoor season, it should make for an interesting conference meet," Knoedel said.