June 26, 2008

EUGENE, Ore. -- Three former Louisiana Tech All-Americans will be vying for spots on the United States Olympic Team that will compete at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

Latonia Wilson, Nina Gilbert and Miriam Barnes are all hoping to find a spot on the U.S. National team over the next few days. All three finished their respective eligibities last season for the Lady Techsters en route to an outdoor three-peat in the WAC Championships.

"It's a great honor and privilege to be at this elite level," Tech associate head coach Shawn Jackson said. "They take 30 athletes in every event. To be among the best in your event is quite an accomplishment, but it's another thing to make the team."

All three women had stellar careers under Jackson's tutelage. Barnes, Wilson and Gilbert all ran on the 4x400 squad last season that finished with All-American honors in the relays, while Wilson also took the honor in the women's 200.

Both junior Mike Coleman and sophomore Al Fullwood will also find out next week whether they will be allowed to compete for a spot on the Olympic team as both met the D-Standard.