The MSU Track and Field teams have a big weekend ahead. After a cancelled meet on April 9, much is on the line for the Bobcats and luckily, they have plenty of opportunities to make their mark throughout the split squad weekend.
Several Bobcats will compete at the legendary Mt. SAC Relays on Friday, April 15, at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut, Calif. The Mt. SAC Relays serve as one of the most prestigious and competitive meets in the nation and will feature 25 Bobcats who met the qualifying standards.
Looking to secure Big Sky qualifying scores in the multis are Asa Staven, Jeff Mohl, Sarah McGree and Sadie McMillan. The upcoming weekend will serves as one of the final opportunities to earn the conference meet standards in the decathlon for the men and heptathlon for women.
Patrick Casey will make his sophomore season debut in the 1,500 meter run on Friday at the Mt. SAC Relays Distance Running Carnival. Casey is expected to compete among many contenders he faced back on March 11, at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships.
Many of the field athletes will also compete at Mt. SAC including Trevor Gilreath, Morgan Norgaard and David Phillips in the hammer throw and shot put.
For the women, Amanda Murphy will compete in the discus, shot put and hammer throw. Heather Haug, who is currently ranked 14th in the NCAA West, will compete in the 1,500.
Also on Friday, several Bobcats will also be competing at the Bryan Clay Invitational, hosted by Azusa Pacific in Azusa, Calif.
On Saturday, all the Golden State-bound athletes will participate in the Beach Invitational, hosted by Long Beach State at Ceritos College in Norwalk, Calif.
“This is a big weekend for Bobcat Track and Field,” said head coach Dale Kennedy. “Two consecutive days of competition will help prepare us for Big Sky Championships in May. The level of competition, in addition to the favorable weather, at these meets will also be key in our preparation.”
In addition to the three meets on the West Coast, MSU will also send athletes to the Montana Open hosted by Montana in Missoula.
“The Montana Open is another great opportunity to compete after having two unexpected weeks off,” Kennedy said. “In a catch-up situation, this is a perfect time to grab the moment and get qualified for Big Sky.”
