After over a decade, the Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships return to Athens this weekend.
All 13 MAC teams will be sending women's teams to the competition, and men will be sent by seven schools --Akron, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami and Ohio.
A lot hangs on the line this weekend as there are many athletes hoping to get a Regional qualifying mark for their event. Thus far, Ohio only has two qualifiers -hurdler Jericka Duncan and sprinter/jumper Scott Mayle -both of whom are qualified in two events. Even though there are many athletes trying for the Regionals, many have said that MAC competition will still be their main focus.
Pole-vaulter Boone Troyer said that due to an injury, the only thing that will be on his mind is the MACs.
I pulled my right hamstring last weekend
so I am just hoping to be able to jump well Troyer said. If Regionals happen to come then they do
but I'm not really concerned about that. I am looking forward to being at home and being in front of everyone.
It's about the same (amount of focus)
sprinter John Willis said. I'm more focusing on MAC and hoping that Regionals will come with it. And if I make it to the Regionals that's great
and if I place good in the MACs but don't make Regionals that's fine too.
One of the athletes that will be competing on the first day of competition is Susan Plungis. Plungis noted that the team has a comparative advantage being at home for the meet.
I think (being at home) will give our seniors a huge advantage
Plungis said. They have been training on this track for four years. We have been traveling
and now everyone is coming to our turf
and we have something to show. It boosts our mentality. All these 27 weeks of practice have been leading to this meet.
Willis also commented on his excitement to stay at home for this meet.
I am really excited because for indoor
we had to travel all the way up to Central Michigan. It's nice to be able to stay here and not have to go anywhere and have such a big meet here at our home track.
The three-day event will begin today at Goldsberry Track with the men's hammer throw and continue throughout the day. Events will pick back up Friday morning, with the meet concluding Saturday.
