April 30, 2010
KINGSTON, Jamaica - Former Nittany Lion standouts Shana Cox and Dominique Blake are set to compete in one of the most highly-anticipated competitions of the early professional track and field season, this weekend at the Jamaica International Invitational, to be held at National Stadium. Cox, who currently competes for the United States and is sponsored by Adidas, and Blake, who is currently training in Jamaica, were both members of the Nittany Lions' NCAA Champion 4x400-meter relay in 2008.
Both former Nittany Lions are slated to compete in the open 400-meters. Cox, an 11-time NCAA All-American, was also an individual NCAA titlist as a Nittany Lion, winning the 400 at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships. As a professional, Cox set the American record at 500-meter this past indoor season, running 1:08.70. Blake is also one of the most highly decorated athletes in the history of the women's track and field program, earning six Big Ten victories, and three All-America finishes while running for the Blue and White.
The Jamaica Invitational is also set to include Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt, as well as highly-decorated sprinter Tyson Gay of the United States. Action at National Stadium is set for Saturday, May 1.