After a two-week break, the Bobcats return to action Friday at the Youngstown State Track and Field Invitational. Events will begin at 3 p.m. at the new, 300-meter Watson and Tressel Training Site.
Out of the 14 teams competing, Ohio’s biggest rival is Kent State — the only other Mid-American Conference competitor.
“It will be good to see where everybody’s at after two weeks of training,” coach Clay Calkins said. “And this is one of the best centers for training we have, so hopefully that will equate to good marks and times.”
Coming off the Kent State meet, Calkins said there was some work that needed to be done before Friday’s competition. The team worked out on the track more with the weather, which has been unseasonably nice for mid-January.
Calkins said he is excited to see Chanda Cuckler compete in her first pentathlon, which comprises the high jump, long jump, shot put, 16-meter hurdles and the 800-meter run.
As for the races, distance coach Mitch Bentley said the break was perfect because it’s difficult for runners, especially distance runners, to run all-out every weekend. He said he is looking forward to runners improving their times before the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships Feb. 24.
“For the individuals, it’s primarily about trying to run times that will get you in the fast sections at MACs,” Bentley said. “It’s really important because all your placers come from the fast section.”
Runners will race on the state-of-the-art Mondo track surface, and field events will take place on the synthetic turf field. The facility opened in the fall after a donation from former Youngstown State football coach Jim Tressel, Frank Watson and their families.
nb155607@ohiou.edu
UP NEXT:
Ohio at YSU Invitational
3 p.m. Friday
Watson and Tressel Training Site
Youngstown, Ohio
