March 4, 2001

Notre Dame, Indiana - The Alex Wilson Invitational held at the University of Notre Dame marked the last indoor meet of the season for both Monieka Thompson (Chicago, Ill./Steinmetz) and Neto Alexander (Port-of-Spain, Trinidad/Queen's Royal College).

It also marked the last opportunity that both could qualify for the NCAA Division I National Championships at the University of Arkansas on March 9th and 10th.

Both fell short - but put forth a valiant effort in the process.

Thompson, in fact, broke her indoor school record in the 800-meter run with a eighth-place finish of 2:11.94. That mark would also have broken Thompson's record-time of 2:12.44 in the 800-meter outdoor run.

Alexander placed fifth overall in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.03. He followed that performance later with a fourth-place, school-record of 21.92 in the 200-meter dash.

"They both did a great job," UIC track and field coach Jim Knoedel said. "It was a fitting end to the indoor season and hopefully it carries into the outdoor season."

The men's team turned in an entry in the distance medley relay and placed 11th overall with a time of 10:43.48.

UIC will open the outdoor track and field season on Saturday, March 31st at the Wheaton Invitational.