RedHawks Setting the Bar High at the Miami Invitational
4/6/2012 12:00:00 AM | Redzone
April 6, 2012
By Magdalena Wikar, Sports Marketing Academy Intern
OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University's men's and women's track and field teams are preparing for an eventful home meet as they host the 27th annual Miami Invitational at the George L. Rider Track this weekend. The RedHawks face tough competition as they are among 36 other teams from various conferences.
Although the meet is the first of three home meets this year, some of the RedHawks are currently seeded high enough to qualify for the NCAA first round.
Standing alone on the men's side, junior Jarrod Eick, a 1500 meter runner, has accomplished many goals early on in the season.
"It would really mean a lot [to qualify for the NCAA first round]," Eick says. "Running a fast time on a home track gives a great sense of school spirit."
On the women's side, Kelley Miller and Layne Baggett have already made major leaps and bounds this year. Along with them, senior Alex Roberts, who will compete in the shot put, discus, and hammer this weekend, is hoping to further her outstanding marks in the shot and discus.
"Making it to nationals in any of my events would mean everything to me," Roberts says. "Qualifying for first round at a home meet would make it even better."
The 10k distance race will be implemented this year for the first time in Miami Invite history. Despite the number of laps, the girls will keep the spectators on their feet.
Coach Kelly Phillips is entering five RedHawks into the race, including Melissa Girgis, Emily Mossler, Amanda Hancock, Sarah Tirrell, and Mattie Moncayo. Girgis is excited to make her début on her home track.
"I've never run the 10K before so it will be fun to see how it goes," Girgis says. "I am excited to try it out."
All of the RedHawks are looking for strong finishes as they are able to compete on the track that they see day in and day out.
"I'm excited we have a home meet this weekend," senior Sarah Kinnaman says. "We don't have very many of these and it's nice to compete at home where all of our friends and family can easily come watch and cheer for us."
Sophomore Kevin Brown is also excited with the home field advantage.
"I have been having a really good season so far, but this meet will be my toughest competition yet and it always helps to have a big home crowd cheering you on," Brown says.
Others are hoping that the crowd of familiar faces will help to push them to their limits as they are looking to set a few more personal records.
Senior Matt Rudin is hoping to leave more than just his mark on the track before he graduates.
"I get to show my home school fans what I'm made of and what I have been working so hard for," he says. "I am hoping to hit regional marks in both javelin and pole vault and clear 6-foot-5 in high jump."
In addition, some unattached athletes will be competing including an Olympic hopeful, A.G. Krueger, in the men's hammer throw.
Come out and support your RedHawks this weekend at the Miami Invitational!
Players Mentioned
