FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADAMS NAMED NEW ENGLAND REGION ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- A national indoor meet participant in the 35-pound weight throw, Lucas Adams of Bates College (Maine) has been named the 2000 NCAA Division III New England Region Men's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

The United States Track Coaches Association and Mondo Surfacing selects and presents the award annually to the top athlete in each of the seven NCAA Division III men's indoor track and field regions. The announcement is held in conjunction with the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championship, which is hosted by Illinois Wesleyan University on March 10-11.

Adams, a senior from Nottingham, N.H., is the top seed in the 35-pound weight throw for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championship after recording a toss of 64-2 1/4 five weeks ago. If Adams matches or surpasses his performance this weekend, it would set a NCAA Division III record.

Earlier this year, Adams won the 35-pound weight throw at the New England Division III and Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III indoor track and field championships.

Last year, Adams finished third in the 35-pound weight throw to help the Bobcats place ninth at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championship held in Ada, Ohio. Adams also finished sixth nationally in the 35-pound weight throw in 1998.

Caitlin Murphy of Tufts University (Mass.) was named the 2000 NCAA Division III New England Region Women's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.