By Jacob Most
Jan. 10, 2013 –
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky track and field teams will open the 2013 home season with the Kentucky Invitational this weekend at the E.J. Nutter Field House. The meet is scheduled to begin on Friday at 5 p.m. ET.
The Invitational will mark the first home meet under head coach Edrick Floreal. Members of Big Blue Nation will be in for a different track meet experience to go along with a new look team and coaching staff.
“We are very excited to host our first on-campus meet,” Floreal said. “We are hoping for the BBN to turn out and support these young people as they represent and wear the UK colors.”
Participating teams this weekend include SEC foes Tennessee and Vanderbilt in addition to Louisville, the No. 11 UCF women’s squad, Eastern Kentucky, Florida A&M, Kentucky State, Marshall, Memphis, Miami (Fl.) and Middle Tennessee State.
The Wildcats enter the meet riding a strong wave of momentum as nine athletes won individual events at the season opening Hoosier Open last month. In addition, 23 competitors finished in the top three of their events to prove the Wildcats are adjusting well to the new coaching staff.
Leading the way were Morganne Phillips and Bradley Szypka. Phillips broke a 25-year old facility record in Indiana with a time of 37.70 in the 300 meters, while Szypka won the shot put title. His mark of 18.29m/60-00.25 ft. currently stands as the nation’s second-best throw in the event this season.
Isiah Kent also enjoyed a strong Hoosier Open in the shot put as his mark of 59′ 2.75″ now stands as the nation’s fourth-best.
The Wildcats boast a wealth of national leaders in the young indoor season off their strong performances in Indiana.
Keilah Tyson won the 60m, and her time of 7.41 is fifth-fastest in America. Kayla Parker’s 60m hurdles-winning time of 8.43 ranks as No. 7 nationally.
Among the changes to fan experience at this year’s Invitational will be bleachers located closer to the finish line, spectator space located in the infield and a shorter schedule to avoid the all-day affair, which characterized meets in past years.
Admission is free.
Live streaming video and results will be available on UKathletics.com.
