Aug. 8, 2002
SAN DIEGO - Melinda Smedley, a senior sprinter out of Stockton, Calif., has been invited to compete in the North America, Central America and Caribbean under-25 track and field meet on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in San Antonio. Smedley was invited to compete in the 200-meter dash and the 400 meter relay.
The meet, which will feature over 400 world-class athletes from 32 countries, is the only international track and field meet in the United States this year. Athletes from countries throughout North America, Central America and the Caribbean are scheduled to compete.
In order to qualify, athletes must meet specific entry standards which must be achieved between Jan.1, 2001 and July 15, 2002. Smedley came in under the 24.00 200 meter standard on three occasions last season, her fastest time coming at the Mountain West Conference Championships on May, 18, 2002, when she ran a 23.32., a school record.
Smedley, a sociology major, is a co-captain for the Aztecs. Last season, she placed second in the 200 meters at the MWC Championships, and was a valuable component in both sprint relays.