March 25, 2004
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State junior Marie Nilsson (Kil, Sweden) ran the fastest time by an Aztec in the 5,000 meters since the 1982 season, placing second overall in 16:43.56 Thursday in day one action at the 61st annual Florida Relays in Gainesville, Fla.
A transfer from Oklahoma State, Nilsson completed her first 5,000 as an Aztec with an NCAA regional qualifying time of 16:43.56. The time ranks third nationally this season and puts her in fifth on the SDSU top 10 list as one of only seven Aztecs to ever complete the race in under 17 minutes.
Joining Nilsson in the 5,000 was sophomore Christal Cuadra (Honolulu, Hawaii), who placed sixth in the 28-runner field in 17:47.38, a career best effort.
Earlier in the evening, sophomore Jamillah Titus (American Canyon, Calif.) was fifth overall in the 1,500 meters with a season-best of 4:42.87. Freshman Celeste Tyson (Austin, Texas) rounded out the SDSU competitors with an 18th place (4:52.26) in the 1,500.
SDSU continues action at the Florida Relays and the Percy Beard Track and Field Complex Friday and Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. EST.
61st Annual Florida Relays
Gainesville, Fla. - Percy Beard Track
SDSU Results
1,500 Meters
5. Jamillah Titus 4:42.87
18. Celeste Tyson 4:52.26
5,000 Meters
2. Marie Nilsson 16:43.56 (NCAA regional qualifying time; No. 5 in SDSU history)
6. Christal Cuadra 17:47.38