CLEMSON, S.C. (April 9, 2005) - The Buccaneer women sprinters Chantelle Vernon (Markham, Ontario), Ebonie Jones (Richmond, Va.), and Jenny Knox (Connelly Springs, N.C.) recorded solid performances in their events at the Clemson Invitational on Saturday. Vernon competed in the 100 meters and finished seventh with a time of 12.12 a season best, while Jones competed in the 200 meters and finished tied for eighth with a time of 24.85. Knox competed in both events and recorded collegiate bests. She placed tenth in the 100 meters (12.31) and tied for eighth in the 200 meters (24.85).

The women's middle distance runners also showed strong performances at the meet. Tiffany Collier (Atlanta, Ga.) and Jennifer Habbestad (Tampa, Fla.) both competed in the 800 meters for the Bucs. Collier finished sixth at 2:19.51 and Habbestad finished eighth with a time of 2:21.21, which is her season best in the event.

In the field events, the Bucs continued to show improvement all around. Ebonie Jones advanced to the finals in the long jump and finished ninth in the finals with a mark of 5.41m. In the men's jumps, Nathan Strickland (Morganton, N.C.), Adan Blevins (Greeneville, Tenn.), and Michael Wright (Chattanooga, Tenn.) finished in slots five through seven, respectively in the finals for ETSU. Strickland led the way with a mark of 6.64m. Blevins, who recorded a mark of 6.58m, and Wright, who recorded a mark of 6.49m followed.

Wright also competed in the hurdles for the Bucs. He ran well in the 110m hurdles with a time of 15.56 for 13th place, while Tyler Woodruff (Sevierville, Tenn.) ran well in the 400m hurdles with a time of 57.28 for 12th place. Both times were seasonal bests for the student-athletes.

"Every time Michael and Tyler compete in the hurdles they continue to improve and it's great to see them build on their performances," stated Assistant Coach Michelle Byrne.

Freshman Shane Estes (Maryville, Tenn.) continues to build upon his SoCon Indoor Freshman of the Year title with steady improvement in the high jump. In today's meet Estes recorded an outdoor lifetime best of 1.95m, which placed him sixth.

"Some young men and women really stepped up and performed well, but we need to take full advantage of our competitive experiences as a team to better prepare us for the upcoming conference meet," commented Head Coach David Walker.

The Bucs will have their next chance for outdoor competition next weekend April 15 and 16 as they travel to compete at the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, Tenn.