Uhlig sets school standard in early indoor opener at UW

December 1, 2007

SEATTLE, Wash. - For the first time in recent memory The University of Washington hosted an early season open meet last Saturday on their indoor track and field facility. A full month and a half earlier than normal, the UW Winter Preview Meet welcomed athletes from various local colleges, universities and clubs to mark the opening of the 2007-08 Indoor Track season.

It was better weather inside Dempsey arena as the wind and snow swirled outside. Among the many athletes competing one could discern a small contingent of green-and-white clad distance runners representing The Evergreen State College. Emily Uhlig, a junior coming off a successful cross country season for the Geoducks, tested her post-season fitness in the mile race.

Running in the first of two heats, Uhlig did just that, starting fast and racing to a 5:37.19 victory in her heat and placing sixth overall. Her race established a school record for that event, marking the second indoor track record she has established for Evergreen in a season opening race. Last year Uhlig set a record in the 3000 meters at the WSU Indoor Open, a record which was later bested by teammate Kelly Beckham.

Assistant cross country and track coach Jason McConnell competed unattached in the 5000 meters finishing in 25th place (16:46).

A handful of Evergreen cross country team members and their coaches (Dickson and Yoder) were in Los Angeles that day. In a recruiting trip to the Foot Locker West Region High School Cross Country Championships at Mt. San Antonio College, Geoducks competed in the open race prior to the high school races. Miguel Pineda (Jr) placed 10th overall out of 200 competitors. Ana Casillas (Jr) placed 13th in the female category.

Emily and other Evergreen athletes will return to the Dempsey Indoor on January 19th to compete in the UW Indoor Preview Meet.

Full UW Indoor Results