LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University men’s and women’s outdoor track & field team is set to take part in the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championship meet. Lock Haven is sending six athletes to San Angelo, Texas in search of NCAA gold.

When & Where:

The NCAA Outdoor Championship meet kicks off Thursday, May 21 and runs until Saturday, May 23 at Angelo State University’s LeGrand Sports Complex in San Angelo, Texas.

Who:

Six athletes have qualified for the NCAA Championships and will represent The Haven in the Lone Star State.

Eagles flying south:

Heading to Texas to represent The Haven men will be junior Chris Edelman (Elverson, Pa./Owen Jr. Roberts), sophomore Nick Hilton (Reading, Pa./Exeter Township) and junior Randy Sylvia (Johnstown, Pa./Richland).

Representing the Lady Eagles will be senior Shala Simms (Ardmore, Pa./Upper Darby), freshman Lindsey Lambert (Howell, N.J./Howell), sophomore Alaina Leonard (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern), senior Chelsea Morse (Beaver Dams, N.Y./Campbell-Savona) and junior Megan Wolf (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J. Roberts).

Their Events:

Edelman – 400 meter dash

Hilton – 3,000 meter steeplechase

Simms – 800 & 1,500 meter run

Lambert – 5K & 10K

Leonard – hammer throw

Morse – high jump

The scoop on the group in Crimson & White:

- LHU co-head coach Aaron Russell on Chris Edelman

Having just missed earning All-America honors individually indoors left Chris hungry, and I think he's ready to go after it in San Angelo. He has the firepower, he just needs to piece together a good race and find that extra gear over the last 100 meters.

- LHU co-head coach Aaron Russell on Shala Simms

Shala is in phenomenal shape, the best I've ever seen her in. She finishes workouts and looks at me confused at how fast her times are. The clock doesn't lie, however and I think she's ready to take some more time off the 1,500 and 800 meter records she set at the PSAC Championships. I think she's capable of going under 4:30 in the 1,500 meters, and hitting 2:10 in the 800 meters. The national meet is tricky business though and it's more about making finals than running your fastest sometimes. She's got experience at this level, and has the wisdom of a seasoned veteran. I'm confident she's ready to make a real run at All-America honors.



- LHU co-head coach Aaron Russell on Lindsey Lambert

She might be a freshman, but she runs like a senior. She's got guts and gusto to match anyone out there. Lindsey's in great shape, and should drop under 36 minutes in the 10K. Based on the previous few years' results, this should put her in great position to be near All-America honors. She ran well coming back in the 5,000 meter race at PSAC’s, and she'll see what she can come back in at the NCAA Championship. Anything is possible there, and she's got the tools to get it done. She might surprise a few people.



- LHU co-head coach Aaron Russell on Nick Hilton

Nick's in the best shape I've ever seen him in, and I think he is fit enough to drop under nine minutes in the steeple. He got some good experience indoor, having earned All-America honors, and I think that will pay off in Texas. This is something he's very hungry for, and I think he's ready to put a great race out there.

- LHU co-head coach Heather Leverington on Alaina Leonard

Alaina is coming into the meet as an unknown ranked No. 12 in the hammer, and has an opportunity to go out and compete with no pressure. I think she can surprise a few people and sneak into finals and come back and an all-American. She works very hard and deserves this opportunity.

- LHU co-head coach Heather Leverington on Chelsea Morse

Chelsea’s college career is coming to an end and she will definitely be missed. She is a captain and a great leader for our team. She is a strong competitor and always rises to the occasion of her fellow competitors. I know she is ready to be at the top of the podium. I believe she is confident and ready to compete at her best.

Among the best:

In the final U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association D-II Outdoor Track & Field Dual Meet rankings the Lady Eagles were ranked No. 12 and The Haven men were 14th.

More information:

For more information including a schedule of events and full results (when available) visit the official website of the 2009 D-II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.