Date Posted: 5/7/2006

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Freshman Natasha Harvey set the national mark in the long jump to help the Jacksonville University track team complete a solid day at the FSU Twilight on Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee, Fla.

"We had another nice meet as we continue to prepare for regionals," said JU head coach Ron Grigg. "Next week we will focus on both relays at Georgia Tech and see just how fast we can go."

Harvey breaks the school record for the third consecutive meet in long jump by tallying a 21'5.25" (6.53m) to finish in first place. Her jump now ranks first in the NCAA, East Region and is tops in the world juniors. The mark also is fourth among all US women and 19th in the world.

"Tasha's jump was spectacular," said Grigg. "Her continued progress is both consistent and impressive. She is now truly a 'world class' athlete." Harvey also recorded a time of 13.97 to finish third in the 100-meter hurdles, while freshman Simone Clark tallied a lifetime best 14.05 to finish fourth in the event.

Junior Janita Ocana won the 400-meter dash by setting the school record with a regional qualifying time of 54.08. Junior Ashley Williams took fifth in the 400-meter dash with a 55.59.

Sophomore Janel Grooms took third place in the 400-meter hurdles. Harvey placed fourth, while Clark finished fifth in the same event. |

The Dolphins will race again on Friday when they travel to Atlanta, Ga. to compete in the Yellow Jacket Invitational.

Release courtesy of Jacksonville Athletic Communciations