April 25, 2003

The University of Notre Dame track and field team sent a limited number of competitors to this weekend's Drake Relays. Two events including Irish competitors were run on Friday afternoon.

The men's 4xmile relay team of Kevin Somok, Vinny Ambrico, Eric Morrison and Luke Watson fell short in the bid to defend the Notre Dame crown from a year ago. The Irish team did run well, however, finishing the race in 16:48.57 and taking third place. Stanford (16:31.19) finished first, followed by Indiana (16:44.74).

Sophomore Selim Nurudeen, who won last season's BIG EAST Championship in the 110-meter hurdles, looks to be in top form heading into next weekend's conference meet. Nurudeen qualified for the finals of the 110-meter hurdles at the Drake Relays on Saturday, finishing second in his heat with a time of 14.01. That time ranks as a season-best for the Friendswood, Texas, native and improves his NCAA regional qualification effort as well. Nurudeen was the sixth-fastest qualifier for the final race.

Other competitors for Notre Dame at the Drake Relays this weekend include the men's 4x400 team (6 p.m. Saturday), Thomas Chamney in the 800 meters (4 p.m. Saturday), and Kerry Meagher and Stephanie Madia in the 1,500 meters (4:30 p.m. Saturday). Madia was on the start list for the 5,000 meters Thursday night but did not compete.

Check back this weekend for updates from the Drake Relays and the Boilermaker Open - where a majority of the Irish men's and women's rosters will be competing.