March 31, 2006

PALO ALTO, Calif. ---- Samford University's Lauren Blankenship ran in the first of four sections of the 5000-meter run on Friday at the 2006 Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, Calif., hosted by Stanford University at the Cobb Track and the Angell Field.

Blankenship, an All-American in the 5000 meters, ran a 16:41.05 in the event to finish 30th in her section. Stanford's Arianna Lambie won the event, posting a time of 15:44.23.

"It was a long flight, and a stressful trip but she did very well," said Samford head coach Glenn McWaters. "I was really proud of Lauren."

The entire Bulldog track and field team heads to Troy, Ala., on Saturday for the Coach `O' Invitational hosted by Troy University on the Jesse H. Coley Track. Samford will compete against teams from Troy, Alabama State and Bevill State, as well as individuals from Auburn, Belmont, South Alabama and a number of unattached athletes.

The Coach `O' Invitational is set to begin at 11 a.m., with field events, while running events will begin at 1 p.m. Results will be posted at www.troytrojans.com following the conclusion of the meet.