May 24, 2012

Austin, Texas - Junior Samia Taylor nearly broke a school record to lead the way for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's and women's track & field teams in the first day of action at the NCAA West Regional Championships hosted by the University of Texas.

Taylor had a personal record in the long jump with a leap of 19-8 1/4 (6.00m), shattering her previous best by five inches and missing the school record by less than one inch. The junior, who earned a trip to nationals in triple jump last year, finished 22nd overall in long jump. Taylor competes in triple jump on Saturday.

In the 400m hurdles, sophomore Dexter Schleis had a strong run and finished with a time of 53.79, but will not compete in Friday's quarterfinals.

Milwaukee has three more individuals competing in day two of action on Friday. Starting at 5 p.m., junior Durell Busby will run in the 110m hurdles and senior Laura Hamel will attempt to extend her school record in high jump. Freshman Aaron Dillon will also compete, going in the triple jump at 6 p.m. Follow along with the Panthers live online here.