Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Former Lady Buccaneer standout showcases talent on the professional level

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Aug. 5, 2009) - After becoming the first Lady Buccaneer athlete in nine years to receive All-American honors in track and field, former ETSU standout Heidi Dahl (Orem, Utah) turned in lifetime bests while making her debut as a professional last month in Europe.

Dahl, who finished sixth in the 1500m at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships and seventh in the finals at the USA National Championships, signed professionally with former Buccaneer Ray Flynn - the President/CEO of Flynn Sports Management - which is based in Gray, Tenn.

"We (Flynn Sports Management) are very excited to be working with an athlete who has not only showed fantastic results this year, but whom we are confident will achieve great things in the future," said former ETSU student-athlete and current Director of Marketing for FSM Brad Yewer. "It is a great testament to the coaches at ETSU that Heidi has been able to achieve what she has this year both collegiately and professionally."

The Orem, Utah native is represented by New Balance and ran six races last month in Europe - competing in three 800m and three 1500m events. During her stint overseas, Dahl set four personal record times and continued to build off her success she created at the collegiate level.

Dahl's first race (1500m) was difficult as it was the day after she arrived, but following the opener she set a personal best in the 800m on July 15 - finishing fourth overall in Liege, Belgium with a time of 2:02.14. Then, Dahl shaved time off her 1500m mark, by being clocked in at 4.10.85 on July 21 in Gent, Belgium.

Following her first three races, Dahl came very close to winning the 800m in Brasschaat, Belgium on July 26. The decorated distance runner posted a second-place effort; while setting a new personal best of 2:00.88. A few days later in Leverkusen, Germany she set a new 1500m best, breaking the 4:10 barrier for the first time with a 4:09.75 (second place).

"It was a great European campaign for Heidi," commented Yewer. "Being her first trip overseas, Heidi did an excellent job adjusting to the changes and turning in solid times on the track."

"I was really excited to be given this opportunity and to extend my track and field career," said Dahl. "After competing against top athletes in Europe, I now feel I am moving in the right direction and will continue to build off these performances."

For more information on Buccaneer athletic news, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.