Men, Women Head to Stanford Invite

PROVO -- In one of the biggest distance meets of the outdoor season, the BYU track and field teams will travel to Palo Alto, Calif., to compete at the Stanford Invitational Friday.

“This will be a really big meet for the distance runners, so I’m excited about that,” said BYU men’s track and field head coach Mark Robison. “There are two or three meets that are pivotal to the distance competition, and this is one of them. Athletes from all over the nation will be there, and I expect we will have a lot of regional qualifiers this week.”

With seven regional qualifying marks earned last weekend, BYU expects to add to that number this week, building a strong base for Nationals.

“That’s what it’s all about really,” said Robison. “We need to earn as many points as possible and as early as possible to get our athletes to Nationals.”

The No. 3 BYU women’s team will also compete this weekend at the Invitational.

“Stanford always puts on a terrific meet,” said BYU women’s head track and field coach Craig Poole. “It’s one of the best meets on the west coast and it’s a great place to compete.”

The Cougars hope to earn several regional qualifying marks in what they consider to be the ideal track and field conditions. Many of BYU’s top athletes will return to action after taking last weekend off to recover from the indoor season and prepare for outdoor competition.

Friday’s running events will begin with the women’s 100-meter hurdles at 11:45 PT, while the field events will kick off at 10:30 with the men’s javelin.