By Harrison Schwarz, For The Miami Student
The Miami University track and field team hosts their first home meet of the season this weekend at the Miami Invitational. The RedHawks compete against Ohio State University, University of Notre Dame, University of Cincinnati, Butler University and others.
Senior hurdler Skyler Coburn and sophomore hurdler Taylor Gittins hope to build momentum after their respective first and second place finishes in the 400-meter hurdles at the Oliver Nikoloff Invitational last Friday.
Senior Peter Stefanski, who was named Track Athlete of the Week at the Wake Forest Open March 21, is set to compete in the high jump. Standout freshmen Grant Cole and Kenny Glenn will attempt to break the school record in the long jump after finishing 3/4 inches shy of breaking the record during the indoor season.
Men's head coach Warren Mandrell looks forward to having the advantage of competing at home.
"It will be a good opportunity for the athletes to get some good times and have their friends come out and watch," Mandrell said.
The women's team arrives at their home turf after competing in the University of North Florida Spring Break Invitational last weekend.
In a spring break encore, three RedHawks return to Florida for the Florida Relays in Gainsville. Sophomore Alexus Jimson-Miller competes in the 100m hurdles, while freshman Morgan Rice and junior Kathie Wollney compete in the quarter hurdles.
The remaining team members stay for the Miami Invitational. Sophomore shot putter Amelia Strickler looks to continue her recent success, after finishing 15th overall in the NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships March 14.
The Miami Invitational begins 10 a.m. Saturday at the Ryder Track.
"Come out and bring the Greek life to the track," women's head coach Kelly Phillips said. "I want everyone to get loud."