April 27, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina track and field teams will be traveling to Pennsylvania this week for the most prestigious meet of the season- the 111th Penn Relays held April 28-30th at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Gamecocks will be taking members of the men’s and women’s teams to compete in events including the 100m/110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay, 4x400m relay, hurdle shuttle and the distance medley relay. At last year’s Penn Relays, the Gamecocks brought home a pinwheel for the women’s 4x400m relay that had a first place finish performance of 3:29.15 on national television.

“The Penn Relays are the greatest track meet in the world and we’re looking forward to being there,” said USC Head Coach Curtis Frye. “It fits into the category of the NCAAs and without this experience college athletes for track and field would not be what it is. Our student-athletes worked very hard to be able to go. It’s a privilege and a honor and not being at the Penn Relays is like not running track and field.”

The women’s team is currently ranked No. 2 in the country behind Texas who they will compete against at the Penn Relays for the first time this season. Also competing this week in Philadelphia tied for No. 3 in the rankings are the women’s teams from Florida and Tennessee.

“It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s the start of our championship season,” Frye said. “We’re looking forward to it and I think our kids will do a great job.”

Results will be available following the meet at www.uscsports.com.