Track and field begins outdoor season

PROVO, Utah — After coming out of a strong indoor season, the BYU track and field team begins its outdoor season this weekend at the USC Trojan Invitational in Los Angeles and at the UNLV Sheila Tarrs Invitational in Las Vegas.

“These are the first outdoor meets of the season, so this will be a nice one for us,” BYU head coach Ed Eyestone said. “Some of the people will be running out there to establish outdoor marks to help them get into other meets during the course of the season. We’re looking for a good outdoor opener. For all but the select few that made it to indoor nationals there’s been a few weeks off so they’re ready to go after some weeks of training.”

Eyestone said sprinters, throwers, middle distance runners and distance runners competing in the steeplechase will be making their debut at the Trojan Invitational.

Some athletes on the women’s side to watch out for include freshmen Courtney Wayment and Whittni Orton. Wayment will be opening up in the steeplechase for her first time with the team. Orton was an alternate with the DMR indoor team but didn’t get a chance to compete and will now be racing in the women’s 1500-meter run.

Zachary Stetler will be throwing the shot put after redshirting the indoor season. Eyestone said he looks forward to how he will perform.  Senior Mitchell Briggs will also be an athlete to keep an eye on as he will be competing the steeplechase in Los Angeles. Briggs had a strong cross 2016 country season and Eyestone said he is excited to see what he will do this weekend.

The events for both meets will begin Friday afternoon and continue on throughout Saturday afternoon. For live updates, follow @BYUTFXC on Twitter.