April 21, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University track and field team heads to Auburn, Ala., on Saturday for the Auburn Invitational, hosted by Auburn University new Hutsell-Rosen Track. Field events begin at 12:00 p.m. while running events start at 3 p.m. The meet is scheduled to conclude at approximately 9:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs will see some familiar faces at the meet, as they'll compete against some in-state and Ohio Valley Conference rivals. In addition to Samford and Auburn, Army, Birmingham Southern, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Mississippi State, South Alabama, Tennessee State, Troy State, Wallace State and members of the Alabama women's team will all compete on Saturday.

Samford's Michael Smith qualified in the 400-meter hurdles for the NCAA Regional Championships last week at the Jace Lacoste Invitational. This week, several Bulldogs look to join Smith at the Regionals.

Laura Malnati will attempt to qualify in the high jump, after just missing at the Texas Relays two weeks ago. Malnati tied her own school record of 5'07'' in Texas. Additionally, Malnati finished third in the event at the Jace Lacoste Invitational, with a leap of 5'05''.

Senior April Howell looks to qualify in two events. Howell is close to qualifying in both the triple jump and the 100-meter hurdles.

The Bulldogs have three pole vaulters who look to qualify for Regionals on Saturday. Mark Holmes and Trent Schmidt will attempt to do it on the men's side, while Cameron Cardwell looks to qualify for the women.

The Auburn Invitational is set to begin at noon on Saturday. Results will be posted following the conclusion of the meet at http://auburntigers.com.