The Missouri State track and field team kicked off its 2008 season with strong performances at the Missouri Relays in Columbia, Mo. Friday-Saturday, March 28-29. Senior Asher Kyger and sophomore Leander Ernest brought home individual titles with victories in the 1500-meter run and the 400-meter dash, respectively.

Kyger clocked a personal best time of 4:33.93 in the 1500-meter run, which ranks sixth on the MSU all-time performers list. Ernest bested the competition by more than one second with a time of 55.16 in the 400-meter dash. Teammate Yaneika Malcolm claimed second in the event with a time of 56.80.

Kyger also captured a second-place finish in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:15.28.

Freshman Terry Phillips posted a solid debut performance in the 3000-meter steeplechase taking second in the event with a personal best time of 11:01.84. Phillips’s time broke the freshman record previously set by Jamie Vest in 2006.

Emily Fletcher placed fourth in the 3000-meter run with a personal best time of 10:04.01 and Vest finished in sixth in a time of 10:16.56.

Stacy Nelson turned in a personal best time of 11:53.66 in the 3000-meter steeplechase event and Jacqui Lindsey placed in the top-ten in the 400-meter dash.

Missouri State will be back in action next week, April 4-5 hosting the Missouri State Big Bear Invitational.