CAL POLY REPETE W/CORRECT DATE LINE

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2001

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS …CAL POLY POMONA BASKETBALL TEAM TO BE HONORED DURING IRWINDALE PRE-RACE SHOW … APRIL 7

Irwindale, Calif. - - The NCAA Division II National Champion women's basketball team will be honored in pre-race ceremonies at Irwindale Speedway this Saturday night. The Bronco squad struck national gold two weeks ago in Minneapolis with a thrilling 87-80 overtime win against North Dakota.

Winning coach Paul Thomas will be at Irwindale on Saturday night along with his whole team to accept the applause of the fans. "We were sort of surprised when they called us from the Speedway about honoring the team during their opening ceremony on Saturday night, needless to say, we're very pleased with this kind of recognition from the motorsports community."

Cal Poly last won a national championship in 1986 under legendary coach Darleen May. Thomas was an assistant coach under May and took over as the team's head coach in 1995. Coach May lost a tough battle cancer in 1996. Paul Thomas credits May's coaching techniques and lasting memory with the inspiration that took his 11 players to the 2000-01 championship. Thomas is a three-time CCAA Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.

The pre-race introduction of the team will take place in front of the main grandstands between 6:30 and 7:00 pm just before the first race of the evening.

On the schedule for April 7 are the Automobile Club of Southern California Late Models, the USAC MCI WorldCom Western States Midgets, NASCAR Super Stocks, Modified 4's, and the American Race Trucks. Tickets for the spectacular evening of racing are available by phone at (626) 358-1100 or at the door.

PR2001.040301 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Stokes (626) 358-1100 x 206

ADD: TEAM NAMES: Deanna Bergeson (C) Santa Ana, LaTasha Burnett (PG) Compton, Elayne Faucett (PG) Martinez, Anna James (G) Orangevale, Kim Kennedy (G) Walnut Creek, Lauri McIntosh (G/F) Diamond Bar, Burgundie Porter (G) San Dimas, Aprile Powell (C) Santa Ana, Salma Rasheed (F) Walnut, and Margot Richards (G) Citrus Heights.