April 5, 2005

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The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's track and field team returns to Illinois for the second time in three meets this season when it competes at the Big Blue Invitational, April 7-9, in Charleston, Ill. Heptathletes kick off the meet on Thursday, while the bulk of action gets underway on Friday and runs through Saturday.

Last Time Out
The Panthers got a win from its 4x400m relay, while a pair of juniors posted second-place showings, in a strong performance at the non-scoring Purdue Invitational, last Saturday. Senior Teresa Braunreiter, juniors Tenia Fisher, Griffin McNulty and freshman Shannon Buttchen combined on the first-place effort for the Panthers. Juniors Stephanie Ray and Katie Slamka each added second-place finishes for Milwaukee, with Ray falling just shy of the school record in the pole vault and Slamka competing in the 400m hurdles.

Multi-Tasking
The Big Blue Invitational marks the first time Milwaukee will participate in the heptathlon this season. UWM did not compete in multi-events at all last season, but will be led into action this season by juniors Katie Slamka and Jodi Hrdina. Both have competed in the 100m hurdles and long jump outdoors in 2005, but competed in more events during the indoor season.

It's Been A While
When sophomore Timeka Walker completed the 200m in 24.78 at the Purdue Invitational, she posted the fastest time for Milwaukee in the event since 1985. Walker, who is now third in school history in the event while also the indoor record holder, was just 10 months old the last time a UWM woman ran faster.

Last Year's Big Blue Invitational
UWM finished fifth at the eight-team Big Blue Invite last season. Katie Slamka led the way for the Panthers with strong performances in three events, claiming the only first-place finish by winning the 400m hurdles. She also added a third-place finish in the 100m hurdles and an eighth-place finish in the high jump. Tenia Fisher claimed a third-place finish in the 400m, while Timeka Walker (100m), Stephanie Ray (pole vault), Iris Perez (200m) and Katie Anderson (1500m) each added fourth-place finishes.

Up Next
Returns to Indiana for the fourth time in its last six meets when it travels to the Pacesetter Invitational, April 15-16, in Terre Haute, Ind. It is a homecoming of sorts for Panther assistant Jason Francis, who was a four-time all-conference honoree in two years at Indiana State.