University of North Texas Athletics
Clark Concludes Outstanding Career at NCAA Championship
6/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field/XC
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (6/11/03) -- One of the finest careers in North Texas women's track history came to a close Wednesday as senior sprinter Ananka Clark fell short of advancing to the semifinals in the 100-meter dash at the NCAA Track and Field Championship.
Clark had a time of 11.97 to finish sixth in her heat and 24th overall. The top 16 athletes advanced to the semifinals.
"Obviously it's a great honor for her just to be here, and I'm sure she's a little disappointed that she didn't move on, but hopefully that won't take away from what she has done," said North Texas head coach Rick Watkins. "It was a tough race and a slow race because they were running into a big head wind, but I know that she will learn from this experience."
Clark was the first North Texas female athlete since 1988 to compete in the championship and the first ever sprinter to do so. She leaves as the school record holder in the outdoor 100-meter dash along with indoor records in the 55-meter dash and 200-meter dash.
"She had a great career. I hope that she doesn't leave disappointed. She was everything that we want our athletes to be. Her career here has definitely raised the bar for our other women sprinters and given them something to shoot for," Watkins said.
