Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Track and Field	Women's Track and Field SIUE Athletics

January 16, 2007 SIUE Track and Field Off to Strong Start         Southern Illinois University Edwardsville track and field coach David Astrauskas watched his men's and women's teams get off to a strong start with a respectable showing at the Mizzou Open this past Saturday.         "I think this past weekend was probably the best opening weekend that SIUE has had since I have been on the staff," said Astrauskas. "We had six people qualify for nationals along with two relays, quite an accomplishment considering our current level of training."         SIUE's individual provisional qualifiers for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships were Kris Kombrink (O'Fallon), Scott Block (Hanover Park), Callie Glover (Bartlett), Anthony Weber (Marengo), Christine Butler (Matteson) and Juliet Allrich (Carpentsville). Both of the 1,600-meter relay teams also made the NCAA provisional mark.         Kombrink clearly outdistanced his teammates with a throw of 59 feet, 5.5 inches, in the weight throw. "Kris had a real nice opening meet, and it is always nice to get high on the national list in the first meet," said Astrauskas.         Block came within two inches of SIUE's school record in the shot put with a throw of 53-5.75. "Scott's shot is coming along nicely, but we still need to do some fine tuning on his throwing technique," said Astrauskas.         Glover is a returning All-American in the weight throw and made a statement with her toss of 57-5 in the event. It was 3/4 of an inch away from her personal best and the school record.         Weber made the NCAA list on his first try with a pole vault of 15-7. Astrauskas said Weber is the top returning Division II pole vaulter in the nation and expects him to increase his height as the season continues.         Butler was an outdoor All-American in the triple jump and got off to a quick start with a leap of 37-10.75.         Alrich, a freshman, opened her first collegiate meet on a powerful note, posting SIUE's fastest times at 200 meters and 400 meters. Her 400-meter time of 57.73 is a provisional NCAA mark. "She was able to control the freshman butterflies and really put together some fine performances.         SIUE next heads to the Saluki Booster Friday and Saturday. "Hopefully next weekend we will be able to improve on our performances from this week and have more national qualifiers."         -siue cougars-