Becky Lyne Reaches NCAA Finals

June 12, 2003

Butler's Becky Lyne will compete for a national title in the 800 meter run at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship at California State University at Sacramento on Saturday, June 14. The Butler junior advanced to the 800 meter finals by placing first in the semifinals on Thursday, June 12.

Lyne, who was the fastest qualifier coming out of the preliminary heats of the 800 meter run, posted the best time in the semifinals by winning her heat in 2:03.88. Alice Schmidt of North Carolina won the other semifinals heat and shared the second-best time of the day at 2:04.17.

Also advancing to the 800 meter finals were Laura Gerber of Florida State (2:04.17), Neisha Bernard-Thomas of LSU (2:04.27), Aneta Lemiesz of Brigham Young (2:04.49), Nikeya Green of Wake Forest (2:04.56), Kenia Sinclair of Seton Hall (2:04.51) and Nicole Cook of Tennessee (2:04.64).

Lyne, who owns Butler's indoor and outdoor 800 meter records and has the fastest 800 meter time in the nation this spring, is bidding to become the first Butler athlete to win a national championship since Bert Nelson captured the high jump at the national meet in 1932.