March 15, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Miami's Krista Simkins won the NCAA National Title in the indoor 400-meter dash at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday evening.

With her time of 52.16 Simkins becomes the sixth Hurricanes to win a National Championship, the last title went to Tabia Charles in 2006 in the triple jump.

The now two-time All-American won the 400-meters a day after breaking the school record in the event with a time of 51.95. 

Simkins won ACC Championships in both the 200 and the 400-meters just two weeks ago in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Head Coach Amy Deem said of Simkins' performance, "I am extremely proud of how Krista performed this weekend." 

Simkins led the race from start to finish and was able to fend off numerous advances from competitors in the process.

The 4x400 relay team finished ninth in the championships with a time of 3:36.57.  Simkins ran the first leg, followed by freshmen Takecia Jameson, and Ti'erra Brown, and sophomore Kristy Whyte.

Yesterday in the high jump Viktoria Andonova leapt 1.80m for a ninth place finish.