Runner sets new school record

As the saying goes, records are meant to be broken. University of Memphis women's track and field junior distance runner Louisa Lingley broke a record of her own Friday at the Vulcan Invite in Birmingham, Ala.

Lingley ran a mile in 4:55.23 to finish second and break the old school record of 4:56.19 set by Tina Sherratt in 2007.

 "I've been training hard to run that kind of time," Lingley said. "It has just been a combination of believing I could do it and clearing my mind of all negative thoughts."

Lingley gave credit to women's track and field head coach Doug Clark for helping her break the record by pushing her and putting her through vigorous workouts.

"Coach Clark has been instrumental in my success," Lingley said. "He deserves a lot of the credit."

 Clark spoke highly of the junior distance runner and said he always has high expectations for Lingley.

"It's a real special moment for her," Clark said. "She is showing how much progress you can make if you put the work in. She is setting the tone for others to show what they can do."

Even after just breaking the record, Lingley said she and the rest of the team have a chance to break more school records this season. She said the distance medley team can break the school record this season and that she can beat her own record.

Clark believes she possesses the ability to break her own record. He mentioned that her performance should help the team in the conference tournament.

"She is just a junior so she still has plenty of time to add on to her resume," he said. "She is definitely capable of lowering the record she already set. She has set the tone for our team heading into the conference tournament."

With the conference championships in less than two weeks, Lingley feels she is peaking at the right time.  

"I'm feeling good right now," she said. "I'm excited about competing in the conference championships and plan to score at conference for my team. I just can't let any negativity get into my head."

The women's track and field team competes next in the Redhawk's Invitational in Cape Girardeau, Mo. before traveling back to Birmingham for the Conference USA Championships on Feb. 25-26.