Enthusiastic crowd awaits UA track squad at Drake Relays

Sure it serves as another great chance for the Wildcat track and field teams to set qualifying marks. But, unlike most meets, it has unique intangibles.

"The Drake Relays are a fun meet to compete in. They have an 18,000-seat stadium and every single seat will be filled, which creates a great atmosphere and was also one reason why we performed very well in the (past)," UA head coach Dave Murray said.

The main goal for Arizona is to earn a couple more automatic qualifying marks in Des Moines.

Junior Amy Skieresz, coming off an impressive 10,000-meter performance at the Mt. SAC meet last weekend, is looking forward to achieving the same in the 5,000.

"Usually, the Drake Relays are not a really good meet for distance runners, but that doesn't bother me, because I know I can easily qualify if I concentrate and run the race as planned," Skieresz said.

In the pole vault competition, graduate Dee Dee Buzzi is trying to better her 12-6 mark, which she earned at an exhibition in Phoenix.

"If the conditions are favorable and she is feeling good, she is definitely capable of even qualifying automatically for the NCAAs," UA assistant coach Fred Harvey said.

A promising prospect for Arizona will be sophomore Carolyn Jackson in the 400. After winning at Mt. SAC in a personal best of 53.24, Jackson's weekend goal is to stay under 53 seconds.

"It's going to be a very competitive meet with strong opponents, which will force you to run fast," Jackson said. "The competition is so good that, if you don't run 52 seconds, you don't achieve anything."