The UNM track and field team is enjoying one of its most successful seasons and is now getting some national attention.
The Lobo women were listed as the No. 24 team in the country by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
UNM debuted at that spot in the first Division I Outdoor Track and Field Rankings for the 2008 outdoor season.
Lobo head coach Joe Franklin said his athletes have continued to improve as the season has gone along.
"It just keeps getting better and better," he said. "The kids have responded well to the coaching. Right now, I think there are five students that are in the top-10 in the country. They just keep working hard and getting better."
UNM has five female athletes ranked in the top 10 in their events. Javelin thrower Katie Coronado leads the list, ranked No. 5 nationally. Tiyana Peters is ranked No. 8 in high jump, while Sandy Fortner earned the same ranking in the heptathlon.
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The Lobos have a pair of the most talented long jumpers in the country. Alesha Walker is ranked No. 7 followed by Deanna Young at No. 9.
And there may be more coming, as 400-meter runner Ariel Burr will make her debut Saturday at Arizona State. Burr was an NCAA qualifier in 2007.
On the men's side, UNM has three athletes - javelin thrower Anthony Fairbanks, pole vaulter Robert Caldwell and 10,000-meter runner Matt Ashton ranked in the top 20.
The men should also receive help in the coming weeks. Jarrin Solomon is the defending Mountain West Conference Champion in the 400 and will run his first 400 this weekend as well.
Two-time All-American distance runner Jeremy Johnson was granted an extra season of eligibility and will make his debut at the Mt. Sac Relays next week.
Johnson said he was thrilled when he found out he had one more season, particularly because of the success of his teammates.
"I think we have a great team this year - one of the best teams we've had in who knows how long," he said. "We're expected to have tons and tons of regional qualifiers. Being able to share in that is absolutely wonderful."
Track and field at Sun Angel Classic
Friday
Tempe, Ariz.
Track and field at UTEP Invitational
Saturday
El Paso, Texas
