Jacks split up in search of top competition

This Week’s Meet: Seeking the best possible competition that will lift them to improved marks, HSU’s track and field athletes head in opposite directions this week for a pair of prestigious meets. While the majority of Lumberjacks head north to compete at the Willamette Invitational in Salem, Ore., a small contingent of athletes will stay in state for the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto. Both meets are two-day events, beginning Friday and ending on Saturday.

Meet Notes: Willamette University’s McCulloch Stadium/Bowles Track is the venue for the third meet hosted by the Bearcats this season. The Willamette Invitational traditionally attracts athletes from NCAA Divisions II and III, along with NAIA contestents, making for strong competition. …Contested on Friday evening are the 1500 meters, steeplechase, 5K/10K races and hammer for both men and women. The remainder of the events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. …Stanford’s meet likewise is split into two sessions over two days. The meet features competition on levels from collegiate/open down to high school. Competition gets going with the distance carnival at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The top sections of the steeplechase, the 5,000 meters, and the 10,000 meters are all slated for Friday night. Saturday’s competition begins at 9 a.m. on the track.

Lumberjack Notes: Eight Jacks have posted the minimum requirements that will allow them to participate in the Stanford Invitational. Nick Bawden will throw the javelin, Kyle Sherry will compete in the men’s hammer, Thomas Wilhelm in the men’s discus, Audrey Oswald and Beth Kreiger in the women’s hammer, Kelsey Lemke and Jodi Symonds in the javelin, and Jesus Solis in the men’s 3,000 meter steeplechase. …The Willamette Invitational offers the first 10,000 opportunity for HSU athletes this spring, and taking advantage of the schedule will be Humboldt State’s Steve Kilroy, Matt Towles and Derek Lactaoen. …Also looking for a quicker performance as his racing fitness develops is HSU’s Eric Tibbets, who will focus on the men’s 1,500 meters Saturday. …On the field side, assistant coach Gunner Argo has prepared his pole vaulters for a good shot at seasonal and personal records. Both Brittany Peterson and Ashley Hodge will try to reward their coach’s efforts. … “Everyone has a chance to compete at a good meet this weekend,” HSU head coach Sandy Moran said. “They’ll focus on their primary events.” …Continuing to post the best marks in the nation are Lumberjacks Nick Bawden and Audrey Oswald. Bawden tops the javelin field with a distance of 217-0, and Oswald has the best hammer throw with a distance of 182-5 1/2. Beth Kreiger is also on the national list in the women’s hammer, ranking seventh with a mark of 163-4. …Among California Collegiate Athletic Association athletes, Humboldt State’s Thomas Wilhelm also ranks first in his primary event, the discus. Michael Okenwa is fourth in both the men’s long jump and triple jump, positioning himself for possible league honors at the championships next month.

Visit the HSU Jacks’ homepage for more Athletics at HSU.