#10 Gophers Aim for Relay Trifecta Repeat

The #10-ranked University of Minnesota women's track squad returns to the blue Drake Relays track today for what they hope will be more relay glory at "America's Athletic Classic." The Gophers, who jumped from #22 in the latest U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll, hope to duplicate the relay trifecta they accomplished last year when they won the 4 x 800 meter, 4 x 1600m, and distance medley relays.

This year's 4 x 800 meter relay will feature Jamie Cheever, Gabriele Anderson, Julie Schwengler, and Heather Dorniden, the same foursome that posted a Drake Relays record time of 8:27.42. The Gophers will shoot for their third straight title in the 4 x 1600 meter relay, where Cheever, Anderson and Dorniden will be joined by rookie Nikki Swenson. Cheever and Anderson were members of the 2007 relay that set a new Drake Relays record at 19:07.75. The DMR lineup is expected to be Challis Larson, Jamie Dittmar, Julie Schwengler, and Nikki Swenson.

The Gopher men hope to share in some Drake glory as well. Their 4 x 1600m relay today will feature will feature cross country all-Americans Chris Rombough and Hassan Mead and include seniors Eddie Kibira and David VanOrsdel.

Live results from Drake can be found HERE.