"We've had a successful year this year and both J.J. and Stephanie did a great job," said head men's and women's track and field coach Dennis Darling. "This is J.J.'s first time at regional's and Stephanie's second trip. I hope that they both move on to nationals."
For the men's track and field team, junior J.J. Hernandez qualified for the 3000-meter steeplechase with a second place finish at the Texas Invitational (March 22) with time of 9:00.87.
In the 3000-meter steeplechase alone, the Pharr native has earned five top-ten finishes, including three first place titles. Hernandez will be competing on Saturday, May 31 with race time set for 6:40 p.m.
Making her way back on top is senior Stephanie Perez, who enters the regional meet after missing two full years of competition due to an arm injury that occurred in the spring of 2006.
Perez earned a berth in the NCAA Regional Track and Field Championships with a first place finish at the Texas State Open (March 7) with a throw of 155-04 in the discus. In the eight outdoor track and field meets that Perez has competed in, she has recorded four top-ten finishes. The women's discus will be held on Friday afternoon at 5:00.
The NCAA Regional Track and Field Championships will be held at the Ed Weir Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. with field events starting the evening off at 1:00 with the women's hammer throw.
UTPA Sports Information
