The outdoor season for UA track and field opened this weekend with the return of spring to the Southwest.

The 19th annual Willie Williams Classic was the stage, and the Wildcats wasted no time qualifying athletes for the NCAA Regional meet, despite tough competition from nationally ranked teams from Brigham Young (No. 6 men's, No. 15 women's) and Washington State (No. 30 men's, No. 13 women's).

The distance runners for the No. 41 Arizona women's squad had a strong showing, highlighted by a promising performance by Lindsay Scarborough. Despite placing 11th in the 400-meter hurdles, the sophomore showed signs of breaking through for the Wildcats.

"The time doesn't reflect it, but Lindsay Scarborough really showed us something this weekend," said first year head coach Fred Harvey. "She is a tremendous talent, but she has not mentally exploited that talent yet."

Harvey said he feels Scarborough is close to performing at the level that she is capable. Scarborough also finished ninth in the 100-meter hurdles.

On the field for the women, the sibling duo Rachel and Amber Varner continued to excel for Harvey's Wildcats. The pair finished

second and third in the shotput, Rachel edging out her older sister Amber.

In her first meet as a Wildcat, Connie Jerez took first place in the women's pole vault. Her leap of 13 feet, 5 inches was good enough for a first place showing and bid into the NCAA post-season play. The addition of Jerez to the women's vault lineup strengthens the squad by complimenting junior vaulting sensation Amy Linnen.

Following Jerez in second place was Juanita Braun and Phyllis Brown in third. Harvey said the seniors benefit from the

pressure free learning atmosphere created by Linnen and Jerez.

As Harvey begins his first outdoor campaign as head coach, the UA performances have the coach feeling confident in his squad's opening meet.

"Any time you kick off a regular season meet with that many qualifying marks, you have to be happy with your team's performance," said Harvey.

Harvey said Arizona qualified between six and 10 athletes for the regional conference post-season action.

The 19th annual Willie Williams Classic is named in honor of the late Arizona track and field coach. This year in an effort to honor Williams' successor, Dave Murray, Harvey created the Dave Murray Distance Carnival. The Wildcats continue their home stand next weekend when Roy P. Drachman Stadium hosts the Jim Click Shootout.