Missouri State University

The Missouri State track and field team kicked off its 2007 indoor season at the Arkansas Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., at the Randal Tyson Track Center Friday. Due to expected inclement weather, the Bears headed home early, but did turn in some noteworthy performances.

Freshman Auvia Miller recorded the top finish for Missouri State, placing fourth in the unseeded mile run in a time of 5:28.06.  Senior teammate Lauren Nystrom scored a seventh-place finish in the event in 5:34.85 and freshman Staci Nelson came in 10^th with a time of 5:36.85.

Bear freshman Leander Ernest finished fifth in the 400-meter dash, stopping the clock at 55.83.

In the 800-meter run, Kristin Wolkey was the top finisher for MSU, placing 14^th in a time of 2:24.69. Junior Chloe Key finished 20^th in the event in 2:30.44.

Missouri State sisters Zaleika and Maraneika Goffe competed in the high jump for Missouri State. Zaleika cleared a height of 5-3 and finished seventh as Maraneika cleared 5-1 and placed 11^th.

The Bears return to Fayetteville next weekend, Jan. 19-20, to compete in the Razorback Invitational.