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

February 13, 2007 Simmons, Brown Improve Qualifying Times at Blue Classic         With impressive showings in almost every event, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's track and field team won the Blue Classic at Illinois College this past weekend.         Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) and Deserea Brown (Flossmoor) improved national qualifying times to highlight the event.         Brown provisionally qualified for the NCAA championships with her high jump of 5 feet, 7 inches (1.70 meters).         "It was very impressive considering it was an event she has not practiced much this season," said SIUE women's track and field coach David Astrauskas.         Valerie Simmons also posted a provisional qualifying mark with her time of 8.25 seconds in the 55-meter hurdles.         "Valerie is a tremendous athlete with a hurdler-type body. She did a good job this weekend pulling her trail leg over the hurdles," said Astrauskas.         Breanna Branson (Nilwood) also had an impressive showing for the Cougars in the weight throw with a toss of 55-5 (16.85 meters).         "Breanna had a personal best last weekend and threw three feet farther this week. She is getting better in all aspects of the throw," said Astrauskas.         SIUE will compete next at the Indiana Invitational Saturday in Bloomington, Ind.         -siue cougars-