Idaho Track and Field will send athletes to four different meets across California beginning April 16, according to an announcement from the team. Most of the team will participate in Long Beach at the Pacific Coast Invitational on April 16, followed by the Beach Invitational on April 17-18. Smaller groups of athletes are scheduled for the Bryan Clay Invite in Azusa from April 16-18 and the Leopard Invitational in La Verne on April 16-17.
The schedule is significant as it gives Idaho athletes opportunities to compete against a variety of opponents and improve their standings during the outdoor season. The women’s 4x100m relay team, which has seen multiple gold finishes this season, is set to race both Thursday and Saturday in Long Beach. In addition, Ashley Hollenbeck Willems along with other teammates will participate in individual sprints including the 100m, 200m, and various 400m events throughout the weekend.
On the men’s side, sophomore competitors are entered into both sprinting events such as the 100m and 200m races. Other male Vandals like JaRae Long will also represent Idaho across these competitions. In field events at Long Beach, graduate students are scheduled for long jump and triple jump while sophomores focus on high jump contests. Women’s shot put and hammer throw participants include several Vandal throwers aiming for strong performances.
Athletes attending Azusa’s Bryan Clay Invitational will feature women steeplechase runners competing in both open competition and invitational heats. At La Verne’s Leopard Invitational, additional Idaho runners are slated for races including an entry into the women’s 800 meters.
Looking ahead, Idaho Track and Field plans to travel next week across state lines for Pullman’s Cougar Classic scheduled from April 24-25. The team encourages fans to follow updates through their social media channels or by visiting GoVandals.com.
