Ohio's first visit to Oxford this outdoor season didn't go as planned, but just two weeks later, it's afforded a chance at redemption.
Miami got the better of the Bobcats at the Southern Cup two weeks ago, finishing 78 points ahead. Coach Clay Calkins may be approaching this meet as he would any other, but his athletes are certainly determined to take down their Mid-American Conference rival.
Personally
I really want to beat their jumpers Ohio jumper Cathy Udeani said. They're really good.
Ohio will need a better performance from the distance team and jumpers in order to contend. For most of the indoor season and part of the young outdoor schedule, the Bobcats have leaned heavily on the field athletes to record points.
Though last week's invitational at Duke was not scored, Calkins' throwers turned in exceptional individual marks. Emily Amendola earned fifth place in the hammer throw and shot put, and Jessie Tanner placed fourth in the seeded javelin throw. Melissa Gressick turned in a fifth-place finish in the javelin throw finals, her best of the season.
Calkins acknowledged that the field athletes have carried the load for the better part of the season, but reiterated that other groups are improving as well.
I think some other groups are ready to come around Calkins said. The jumpers had a good weekend at Duke
and I know they're ready to compete this weekend.
Last season, the Bobcats did not participate in the Miami Invite, but the venue is all too familiar. The Mid-American Conference Outdoor Championships were staged in Oxford last year, and Ohio finished sixth ' one spot above Miami.
If we all bring our 'A' game
we can show them that we're good competition
Udeani said. They have a very good team
but we're catching up quickly.
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Rob Mixer
