Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Track Sends Three Athletes to Junior Nationals
June 18, 2002 | Track O
June 18, 2002
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State will send three freshmen to compete at the junior national meet on the Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, Calif. Beginning on Jun. 21.
Alison Erzinger, Paula Ogunbanjo and Melissa Ndibilo all qualified for the meet. Erzinger qualified in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 61.07 seconds, 62 seconds was the mark to break. Ogunbanjo jumped over the qualifying mark of 38 feet with her leap of 40-05. Ndibilo exceeded expectations at the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships with her jump of 19-06.25, which beat the mark she needed of 19 feet.
"This is great exposure for Oklahoma State," assistant coach Peppie Whitaker said.
The Cowgirls just wrapped up one of the best years in school history after its 29th place finish in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. They also finished 18th in cross-country and had an indoor track national champion and an outdoor runner-up.
"It is time for new blood on the women's track and field team," Whitaker said. "Gone are the days of whining from pseudo no-talented track athletes who cannot even make their teams travel roster. We are moving to the next level with this program and those who are against us will be left in the dust. These girls are smart, athletic and hungry. Keep your eyes on us in the next few years because we will be heard from."
