The SPIRE D-I Indoor Track and Field Invitational in Geneva will bring some of the best competition from across the country, but the Bobcats will not let some of the best competitors in the NCAA intimidate them.
Ohio will compete in the two-day invitational this weekend alongside schools such as Michigan, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Ohio State, Michigan State and Pittsburgh.
“The stakes are very high and there is a high level of competition and it’s hard to say how well we will do this weekend,” coach Clay Calkins said.
High level of competition may even be an understatement, as the Big Ten controlled the meet last year, so Ohio will have to play their cards right to match the level of competition participants brought last year.
One person the Bobcats are relying on to do very well is junior Donyelle Brown in shot put and weight throwing.
“She is one of the best athletes we have. It’s good to have her back and come on to the team so strong,” Calkins said. “In track and field, it’s all about the mark.”
After previously qualifying for the Mid-American Conference Indoor Championships, Calkins said her preparation has been more focused.
“There has been a more direct focus on the task at hand. There has been an increase in her motivation which results in an increase in her confidence,” Calkins said. “The more confident she is, the better she will perform.”
Brown has shown improvement not only throughout the course of the season, but also during the past two weeks. She won her first career title in the weight throw event and set a school record.
Some other notable standouts that Calkins said to keep an eye out for is junior Chanda Cuckler and senior Melissa Thompson.
Calkins’ focus for this meet is not only for his runners to do well, but to also prepare for the MAC Indoor Championships, which are just two weeks away.
Although there will be one more event in Columbus before the indoor finale meet, Calkins said he wants to make sure that everybody does their best to qualify for the invite.
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