Former Iowa standout Francis Vital leads lady Rebels at the Arkansas Inv.

Fayetteville, Ark - The Ole Miss track and field team opened the 2006 season on
Friday at the Arkansas Invitational, hosted by the University of Arkansas.


Sophomore Francis Vital led the Lady Rebels\' effort on Friday, with a mark of
20-0.25 in the long jump. The Iowa, La., native earned a first-place finish and an
NCAA Provisional qualifying mark.
\"I am very proud of Francis (Vital),\" said Ole Miss head coach Joe Walker. \"She came
in and performed great as a freshman. This year she has just continued to do
everything we ask of her.\"
Though Vital\'s long jump performance was the Lady Rebels\' only first-place finish,
Ole Miss placed in almost every event. Carmia Carroll recorded a third-place finish
in the triple jump with a mark of 38-9.5. Carroll also earned a fourth-place finish
in the high jump with a mark of 5-6.


Other Lady Rebels of note were Shannon Chandler, who placed fourth in the 3,000
meters (10:41.48), Kenyata Coleman, who finished fourth in the 400 meters (54.70),
Marquita Aldridge, who placed fourth in the long jump (19-1.25) and Crystal Stewart,
who finished fourth in the weight throw (52-11).
On the men\'s side, the Rebels were led by Ed McCall (24-5) and Charles Bailey (23-3)
who placed third and fourth in the long jump, respectively.