Track Reaches Climactic Meet in New York

2008-Oliver-_32008-Oliver-_3

PROVO -- With the Mountain West Conference championships only two meets away, the BYU men’s (No.8) and women’s (No.19) track and field teams head to New York and Pocatello to compete at the Mountain States and New Balance Invitationals this week.

“Well, this is the big one; New York is always our biggest meet of the season,” said BYU men’s track and field head coach Mark Robison. “Each week the meets get bigger and this one is really the climax because it’s the only time we get to compete against Eastern schools before nationals. It’s a great opportunity and our athletes will be going up against the top teams in the nation.”

Both teams look forward to facing strong competition that will push and help prepare them for the MWC indoor championships in two weeks.

“This is another great opportunity for our team,” said BYU women’s track and field head coach Craig Poole. “We will see athletes we wouldn’t normally see, which will give us a good representation of where we stand. We’re excited to go and perform at a high level in a great facility and environment.”

More than 100 schools are listed for the competition in New York, while only seven are registered for Pocatello. Both teams are hoping to improve times and marks in hopes of solidifying and qualifying places for nationals.

Friday’s events in New York will begin at 9:45 MST and at noon in Pocatello.