May 6, 2006

Storrs, Conn. - Robert McDade, Andrew Keino, and Ioana Parusheva each captured BIG EAST championships in their respective events on the first day of the BIG EAST Championships at the University of Connecticut today.

McDade won both of his events, the shot put and the discus, to give the team 20 points. He threw 17.15m (56' 3.25") in the shot put, a personal best. His distance of 57.21m (187' 8") in the discus was a school record and qualified him for the NCAA Regionals. His mark in the shot put was also an NCAA regional standard. McDade's finishes were the highest placings in the shot put and discus by a Villanova athlete in 25 years.

Keino added another ten points with his conference title in the 3000m steeplechase. His time of 9:00.40 was an NCAA Regional qualifying time and the school's best performance in the event in 15 years.

Elvis Lewis won his heat in the 400m in a regional qualifying time, while Drew Eckman also won his heat in the 400m hurdles in another regional qualifying time.

On the women's side, Parusheva defended her title in the steeplechase, winning in an NCAA East Regional leading time. Her mark was a personal best as well. Monique Morgan won her heats in the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles, both in regional qualifying times. Yolanda Malcolm advanced to the final in the 100m hurdles, also achieving a regional qualifying standard. Marina Muncan, Arusha McKenzie and Akilah Vargas all advanced to the 800m final in regional qualifying times.

Full results can be found at www.bigeast.org.