After two weeks of practicing and competing at home, the Bobcats are heading back on the all-familiar road.
Building momentum from back-to-back dominating performances, the tallest task awaits at the Mid-American Conference Championship at Bowling Green.
Though the Bobcats didn't face the sternest competition during their brief stay in Athens, strategic resting of athletes by coach Clay Calkins will come in handy when the proceedings begin in earnest today.
The talent level (at the conference championship) is very high
there's no question about that Calkins said. For us we have some great jumpers and runners that are ready to go.
We're hoping that people come ready, and step it up to get their season-best marks.
While Calkins is hesitant to measure his teams' chances at a conference title
there's no denying he has a formidable group of throwers and jumpers. The top four spots are all but locked up
he said
but the battle for spots five through 12 is wide open.
All season
the field athletes have carried the load for the Bobcats while the runners have been plagued by injuries.
A potentially devastating loss was averted last week when Jessica Kestler fell during hurdles practice. Calkins said she would be available for the conference championship after competing sparingly in last weekend's Ohio Open.
(Last weekend) was lower-key, but this time of year it's just about getting ready for the MAC Championship, Calkins said.
Yesterday was the first day of competition for the MAC Championships
albeit abbreviated. The Bobcats earned six team points in the hammer throw
the only event they took part in.
Emily Amendola finished fifth for Ohio
and was followed in seventh by teammate Jessie Tanner.
Getting points right off the bat is great, Calkins said. It's good to see ' it's a good start for us. Placing two out of eight is hopefully a sign of things to come.
MAC powerhouses such as Akron and Western Michigan are favorites this weekend
Calkins said.
One look at their balance of track and field points is the difference between winning a championship and being satisfied with a good finish.
You want the entire team to come together and place in most events, that's the goal, Calkins said. We have areas that are loaded up, obviously with the throws and jumps. That's the way you win the conference.
Nationals?
As of last weekend, none of the Bobcats have set a national qualifying mark. Amendola (hammer and shot put) and Allen (shot put) have made regional qualifying marks in their respective events and will head to Fayetteville, Ark., next weekend.
Depending on marks posted this weekend, the Bobcats will not know until the conclusion of the MAC Championship if they are heading to the NCAA National Championships June 11 in Des Moines, Iowa.
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