Seeking warmer weather once again, BYU will send its track and field teams south to compete in big meets in Texas and California.
Following consecutive weekend trips to Tucson, Tempe and Baton Rouge, the Cougars will split up this weekend to compete in the Texas Relays in Austin and the Southern Cal Invitational in Los Angeles.Middle-distance runner Russ Muir, distance runner Dave Chipman and steeplechasers Ted Mecham and Paul Rosser will compete in Texas. Muir will then fly to L.A. to compete with the rest of the team in Los Angeles, as well.
"This arrangement will provide the squad the kind of competition that will help them the most," says Coach Willard Hirschi.
Sprinter Frank Fredericks, hurdler Shaun McAlmont and Muir have been BYU's top performers during the early outdoor season. The women's team has been led by freshman weight star Cathy James and middle distance runners Georgia Palmer and Melanie Barker.
In the meantime, most of the state's other collegiate track teams will gather at Weber State Saturday (beginning at 1 p.m.) for an invitational meet. Women's teams from Utah State, Utah and Weber, plus men's teams from Utah and Weber State will compete. USU's men's team will travel to Irvine, Calif., to compete this weekend.
Weber's top early-season performer has been steeplechaser Kris Cary, a senior from Provo who already has run 8:49.95 - just off the NCAA qualifying mark of 8:48.00 - and hurdler Dave Chowen. USU's top performer has been Craig Carter, who last week set a school record in the hammer throw and qualified for nationals.