Montana State opens the 2011 indoor track and field season Friday (January 21), welcoming seven other squads to the MSU Open in Worthington Arena beginning at 4:30 pm.
The University of Montana's top sprinters, along with a handful of other Grizzly athletes, and the University of Mary's top-flight NAIA squad highlight the competition, according to MSU coach Dale Kennedy. “Montana is splitting its squad this weekend, but they're sending some outstanding kids here, and Mary always has a very strong team. We'll also get to see some of the Frontier schools, who are starting track programs.”
The field also includes Dickinson State, Gillette College, MSU-Billings, Great Falls, Rocky Mountain and Carroll. Kennedy said the Bobcats face the “perfect level of competition” on Friday. “This is our season opener, and while we have a lot of experienced kids I think this field will challenge our newcomers without overwhelming them.”
Kennedy said that while MSU boasts strength in traditional event groups such as the distance and throwing events, he's excited to watch his sprinters. “We have strong sprint groups on both sides, and the men and women both have some exciting talent and depth,” he said. “We don't always have the luxury of depth in the sprints.”
Friday's meet opens a strong home indoor season for the Bobcats. MSU travels to Pocatello, Idaho, for the weekend of January 28-29, then host meets February 4, 11, and 18.
