June 19, 2003

PALO ALTO, Calif.-Kansas State senior Amy Mortimer qualified for the finals of the 1,500 meters at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships when she placed fourth in her preliminary heat in the event today.

Mortimer ran a 4:13.61 at the event, her third-best time of the season, and placed her fourth in her heat and seventh overall. The top four finishers from each heat, plus the next four best times, qualified for the finals of the event.

The senior distance runner will attempt to make the USA national team when she runs in the finals of the event on Saturday, June 21st, at 4:38 p.m. The top three finishers in the finals of the event will represent Team USA at the World Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Paris, France. NBC will televise the 1,500 meter finals live.

Mortimer is the first Wildcat athlete to attempt to make the national team at this weekend's championships. Kyle Lancaster (high jump), Ashleigh Rogers (javelin), Rebekah Green (shot put), Mandi Peterson (javelin), Chaytan Hill (triple jump) and Morgan High (high jump) will also look to make the national team when they represent the Wildcats at this weekend's championships.

Women's 1500 meter results: (top four in each heat, plus next four best times advance):

1. Regina Jacobs, Nike, 4:11.22; 7. Amy Mortimer, Kansas State, 4:14.09