Two Mountain Lions Headed to Nationals

For the first time in UCCS history the Mountain Lions will have two members of their team competing at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Both Shannon Payne and Sarah Shepard earned a trip to Boston, Mass. with their times in the 5,000-meter run at the Iowa State Classic Feb 11.

Payne finished the run in 16:58.18 with teammate Shepard right behind her with a time of 17:14.87.

"I wasn't really surprised that they were selected to Nationals," said head coach Graeme Badger. "They had strong times that held up through the final few weeks of qualifying."

Despite the good times in the 5,000 meter, it was a tough journey for the Mountain Lions.

"It's a disadvantage for us to have to train on outdoor tracks," said Badger. "When it's cold and wet [on the track] it's harder for the team to train with the intensity that they need to.

"It's hard to train when you are constantly worrying about injuries."

However, Payne has a more optimistic view on having to train outdoors.

"Training is the harsh Colorado climate makes us much tougher runners," said Payne. "So in that aspect, our training serves as an advantage."

Heading to the NCAA Indoor Championships on Mar. 10 Payne and Shepard will use any advantage within their grasp. Unlike most athletes, Payne and Shepard aren't losing sleep over the meet rapidly approaching.

"I think itâ€^TMs really exciting [to go to Boston] and run in the facility that is home to the U.S.A. track and field team," said Payne.

Their teammates competed in the Don Barrett Invitational today, as well.

Chedaria Mack finished 4th in the 200-meter dash but struggled in her other events.

"The competition was fierce," said Mack about her opponents in the long jump and 60-meter dash. "I just wasn't hitting my marks very well."

Mack, who is recovering from a sprained ankle, finished 7th in the long jump with a mark of 15-10.00 and 6th in the 60 meter with a time of 8.71.

Cheutney Ellerton also competed in the long jump finishing 6th with a mark of 16-2.00. In the triple jump, Ellerton finished 5th with a mark of 32-09.00