April 30, 2007

Normal, Ill. - Junior Joseph Mbari's title in the men's 5,000-meter race highlighted the UIC track and field team's effort at the Redbird Invitational hosted by Illinois State University on Saturday.

Mbari, who won the 3,000-meter race last weekend in Iowa, crossed the line in a season-best 15:33.55 to take the 5,000-meter crown. It was the seventh fastest time in the 5,000 posted in the Horizon League this season.

The 5,000-meter was the Flames' race of choice on Saturday as UIC had four runners finish in the top 10, with Sam Watson (6th), Mark Riggs (7th) and Alex Sutphen (9th) joining Mbari.

Other top finishes on the men's side included Andy Wall taking second in the 110-meter hurdlers in 15.87, Scott Pauga placing third in the high jump by clearing the bar at 1.95m and Terell Williams finishing second in the javelin with a toss of 50.17m.

UIC also took second in the men's 4x400-meter relay with at time of 3:20.87.

Senior Lisa Petty's second place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase was the highest finish for the Flames on the women's side. Her season best time of 12:21.52 was the second fastest time posted in the Horizon League this year.

Freshman Lauren Fogarty recorded a top five mark in the Horizon League rankings on Saturday in the javelin with her toss of 31.43m.

Junior Idara Essien took second in the triple jump with a leap of 11.37m.