Mobile, Ala. - South Alabama junior Vincent Rono (4:00.60) ran the fastest mile ever recorded in the Azalea City at the 2006 USA Invitational. The time is second only to UCLA's Jon Rankin 3.58.28 in the United States and is the sixth best time in the world, according the Intenational Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF-Track and Field World Governing Body). For his efforts, Rono was named Track Performer of the Week for the second consecutive time this outdoor season. He earned the award the week of April 11 for his exploits at the Texas Relays where he set the Myers Stadium record in the 1500m (3:42.69).
This week's award is Rono's eighth during his first season at South Alabama. Rono is now ranked fifth in the nation at 1500m (3:42.20 - converted from this weekend's mile time). Teammate Tonny Okello is sixth (3:43.59 - converted).
Up next for the track and field teams is trip up the road to the Auburn Invitational on April 22. The Jags may have a few weeks off before the Sun Belt Conference Championships in Lafayette, La. as they will not be attending the Drake or Penn Relays as orignial scheduled and the May 6 Auburn Invitational was canceled.
Outdoor Track and Field Schedule
April 22 - Auburn Invitational
May 12-14 - Sun Belt Conference Championships
May 26-27 - NCAA Regional
June 6-10 - NCAA Championships
