UCI opens in Idaho

The UC Irvine women’s indoor track and field team opens its 2005

schedule in the United Heritage invitational, today and Saturday, at

the Idaho Sports Center in Nampa, Idaho.

The Anteaters, coached by Ben Cesar, who oversees the indoor

program under the guidance of Vince O’Boyle, UCI’s director of track

and field and cross country, will be led by returning standouts

Orlisha Henlon and Kirsten Loftin.

Henlon, a sophomore high jumper, and Loftin, a sophomore pole

vaulter, both qualified for the NCAA outdoor regionals a year ago.

Lifton was fifth at the Big West Conference championships and her

top vault of 12 feet, 3 1/2 inches ranks second in UCI annals.

Henlon’s career-best clearance of 5-8 is also No. 2 in UCI history.

UCI’s future indoor meets include the Norther Arizona double dual

Feb. 12 and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships in

Seattle, Feb. 25-26.

Qualifiers will compete in the NCAA indoor championships at

Fayetteville, Ark., March 11-12.