March 10, 2008

MILWAUKEE - Marquette University's Cassie Peller and Rachel Thiel competed at the Alex Wilson Invitational hosted by Notre Dame this past Saturday in a final attempt to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships in their respective events.

Although both athletes missed their qualifying marks, each had quality performances to finish the indoor season.

Peller ran 4:46.44 in the mile run, a personal best this season for the MU senior, while Thiel recorded a personal best distance of 47-04.50 in the shot put. The throw also moved Thiel, a sophomore, into fourth place on the school's all-time indoor list.

"This was a great way for Cassie to end her indoor career and for Rachel to end the indoor season," said assistant coach Mike Nelson.

Marquette will soon begin preparations for the 2008 outdoor track and field season, which begins for the Golden Eagles on March 22 at the Baldy Castillo Invitational hosted by Arizona State. Marquette will spend one week training in Tempe, Ariz., prior to the meet.