UT's Shook fastest in steeplechase qualifying

6/11/2004

AUSTIN, Texas - University of Toledo track star Briana Shook won her heat and finished with the best time overall in the 3,000-meter steeplechase qualifying at the NCAA track and field championships yesterday.

The finals will be tomorrow at 8:10 p.m., Toledo time.

Shook's time was 10:05.18, more than seven seconds faster than the next qualifier.

"Briana ran the race perfectly," said head coach Kevin Hadsell. "It was an easy effort. She said the last mile felt like she was jogging. Her water jumps weren't great, but it didn't matter. She will have to improve that on Saturday."

Ann Gaffigan of Nebraska (10:12.46) and Kassi Andersen of Brigham Young (10:12.76) had yesterday's next-fastest times.

Among the other qualifiers was Northern Arizona senior Jinny Hanifan, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate. She was the 10th-fastest qualifier in 10:18.96.

Shook is a senior who went to Seneca East High School.