As a dynamic sprinter and hurdler, freshman Egle Staisiunaite is quickly finding a new home in Madison on the Wisconsin women's track and field team this season.

Originally from Lithuania, Staisiunaite moved to the Chicago-area suburbs with her parents and brother five years ago.

'We came (to America) because my dad got a green card by accident!' Staisunaite joked. 'It was a good opportunity for better money and education."

Still, Staisiunaite's track career began in Lithuania, where she began running when she was 13 years old.

'I was always the fastest in gym classes,' Staisinaite recalled, 'so my teacher suggested that I run track.'

In Lithuania, even at 13 and 14 years of age, she claimed track was more competitive and professional, which may have prepared her for the opportunity of a serious collegiate career.

After finishing school in Illinois, Staisiunaite began her college search and eventually decided on UW.

'I liked the coaches,' she stated as her reason for choosing Wisconsin, adding, 'and I like how Madison is a school and a city together. '

So far, her agreement with the coaching staff seems to be paying off. She has been very successful in her first three meets this indoor season.

In her debut at the Badger Track Classic (Jan. 12), she won the 60-meter hurdles in 9.01 seconds and participated in the winning 4x400-meter relay team. A week later at the Panther Open (Jan. 19) in Cedar Falls, Iowa, she finished third in the 200 meters in 26.15.

Last weekend at the Wisconsin Elite Invitational, Staisiunaite shaved nearly four tenths of a second off her time in the 60-meter hurdles, placing first in 8.66. Her time ties her for the third-best time in UW history and moves her that much closer to one of her season goals.

'I would like to make finals in the Big Tens and maybe break 8.6 in the 60-meter hurdles this year,' Staisiunaite said. 'In the 400 (meters), I 'd like to break 57 seconds or close to 57 seconds.'

Along with track, Staisunaite has flair for art as well. In high school, she enjoyed painting and drawing, designing her high school track team's t-shirts, taking art classes and participating in various school art showcases.

'One of our projects was to draw and donate a painting for charity,' Staisiunaite remembered. She donated her drawing to an education-based charity.

At Wisconsin, art has become more of a hobby for her.

'I don't know, though,' Staisiunaite commented on the importance of art in her future. 'I'm undecided right now, but it will probably stay a hobby.'

In the meantime, Staisiunaite's training keeps her more than busy. This weekend, she is traveling with the team to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to compete in the 60-meter dash and 200-meter dash at the UNI Invitational. Events begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the UNI-Dome.