TRACK & FIELD

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's indoor track and field squad presented its team awards for the 2003-04 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at the Four Points Sheraton on April 27.

Head coach Vicki Mitchell presented her squad with the following awards: Celestine Coney (Lyons, NY/Lyons) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Sarah Vance (Lockport, NY/Lockport) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Allison Laske (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) received the Coaches' Award; and Laura Olson (Lyons, NY/Lyons) was named the team's Most Valuable Player.

Celestine Coney

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student-athlete who distinguishes herself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Coney set UB's top marks in the 400-meter dash (57.50 at the Mid-American Conference Championships) and long jump (17-7.50, 5.37m, at the Syracuse Invitational). Her long jump mark tied with her sister, Patrice, for top honors.

Sarah Vance

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student-athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in her performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Vance won the MAC shot put title with a school-record toss of 48-2 (14.68m). She also turned in a top 20-pound weight throw of 51-3.50 (15.63m) at the Syracuse Invitational and achieved the same distance at the MAC Championships, placing seventh. Vance also competed at the ECAC Championships, placing 15th in the shot put and 21st in the weight throw.

Allison Laske

The Coaches' Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Laske won the ECAC 800-meter championship, setting school records in both the heats and finals, taking the championship race in 2:07.62 and earning an NCAA consideration mark. She also won the 800-meter title at the Armory Collegiate Invitational and finished second at the MAC Championships.

Laura Olson

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through her skills and leadership. Olson consistently rewrote her indoor pole vault record, finishing with a top height of 13-4.25 (4.07m) to win the title at the Armory Collegiate meet. In postseason competition, Olson became the first UB athlete to earn a trip to the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships where she placed 14th overall. She also won the ECAC title and tied for second at the MAC Championships.

UB's women's squad placed ninth at the MAC Championships in Ypsilanti, MI. The Bulls also scored a 10th-place finish at the ECAC Championships in Boston.