RELEASE DATE: 4/10/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mansfield Racewalkers Perform Well in New York City -- Groat Qualifies for USA Junior Nationals

New York -- The racewalking contingent from Mansfield University traveled to Lock Haven this weekend for the PSAC East Challenge, but only as spectators cheering their teammates on. There were bigger things in store for the group of walkers as they left Lock Haven Saturday for New York City to compete at the US World Cup Team Trials. Walks of all distances were held, with Mansfield athletes competing in the 5k and 10k walks.

Freshman Sarah Groat "had an excellent race in her first 10k," said head coach Mike Rohl. Groat walked the 10k, or 6.2 mile course, in 58:57. She finished 11th overall in an international field of 24 competitors. Groat was the seventh American finisher.

With her performance, she has qualified for the US Junior National Championships this summer in Indianapolis, Indiana June 24-25.

Other Impressive performers from Sunday's competition included junior standout Joe Trapani. Trapani won the men's 10k walk with a time 48:22 -- the third fastest time in school history.

Jamie Sweitzer, indoor track's most improved athlete this winter, finished second in the Citizen's 5k race with a time of 30:30. Sweitzer was chasing Mansfield assistant coach Shari Stager who won the event with a time of 30:01.

All the above athletes as well as Kristin Weller and Tricia Learn have qualified for the racewalks at the Penn Relay Carnival at Penn University in Philadelphia and will compete on April 29th.