Arizona's track and field teams open their home and outdoor seasons as they host the first annual Wildcat Classic tomorrow.

The meet will feature several collegiate, junior college and club teams. Action is set to begin with the women's hammer at 11 a.m. at Drachman Stadium.

"(The Wildcat Classic) is a good early season competition for athletes (to) run different events and prepare for the bigger outdoor meets later in the season," said UA head coach Fred Harvey

The coaching staff decided to forgo Notre Dame's Alex Wilson Invitational, but is sending eight Wildcats to Seattle for the Washington Invitational. This meet is the final opportunity for athletes to earn qualifying times for the NCAA Indoor Championships March 12-13 in Fayetteville, Ark.

The majority of Arizona's qualifiers will not participate in either event, but will continue to train at home.

"We are sending some qualifiers to Seattle, while the others are going to stay home and get sharper and prepare for the indoor championships," Harvey said.

The Wildcat Classic will allow Arizona teams to adjust to the variations between indoor and outdoor competition.

"Since we're on the West Coast, we don't have an indoor facility," said freshman thrower Billie-Jo Grant. "It is tougher because we aren't used to the surfaces (of an) indoor facility. (Indoors), the surfaces are wood instead of concrete, which is a completely different feel.

"There aren't the elements (in indoor competitions). There are not as many spots for fans (because of) limited bleacher space, and there is no wind, which we need for discus in order to get lift."

The majority of Wildcats welcome the arrival of the outdoor season, which is generally more competitive and taken more seriously.

"Outdoors is much more exciting (because) that is what is featured at the Olympics and that's the real deal. Indoors is more of just training," Grant said.