Track home to open outdoors


By J. Ryan Casey
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, March 4, 2005

As the 2005 indoor track season draws to a close with next weekend's indoor championships in Fayetteville, Ark., the Arizona track teams look forward to the beginning of the outdoor season.

Meanwhile, competition continues at home this weekend with the Wildcat Classic at 11 a.m. Saturday at Roy P. Drachman Stadium.

"(It will) give people a chance to stay at home, and stay up on their studies, without traveling," said Arizona head coach Fred Harvey about the advantages to the Wildcats hosting their first home meet of the year.

A few members from both squads will head to Seattle for the University of Washington's Last Chance meet, including Kevin Opalka in the pole vault, Ilona Rutjes in the shot and Sara Vigil in the weight throw.

Harvey said he is still considering sending senior Sharifa Jones, either for the hurdles or the long jump.

The meet is the last chance for athletes to qualify for next weekend's NCAA Championships.