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In-state war

Sun Devils, Lumberjacks come to Tucson for last triangle track

In-state rivals Arizona State and Northern Arizona make the trip down to Tucson this weekend to compete in the final "triangle" meet of the season and the competition should be nothing less than remarkable.

"Every year, indoor and outdoor (season), when we go against ASU and NAU it's always an outstanding meet," head coach Dave Murray said.

A prime indicator of the rivalry between the schools will be found in the 400-meter race when ASU junior Tony Berrian once again faces hometown rival, UA sophomore Mike Kenyon.

The two have been racing each other since their high school days in Sacramento, Calif.

During their last race, Kenyon was leading after 350 meters but could not hold on for the victory. He said the main reason he failed to hold on in the last 50 meters was because he wasn't running relaxed.

"The last time I raced him it was probably the closest I've ever raced," Kenyon said. "Hopefully this time I can put a complete race together and beat him."

"I haven't seen many athletes at the UA with a more competitive nature," Murray said of Kenyon.

But while the majority of the team will be participating in the meet, two UA runners - senior Micheil Jones and sophomore Tara Chaplin - travel to Palo Alto, Calif. to run in the Cardinal Invitational - a meet known for its strong competition in the distance events.

"It's definitely going to be a strong meet," said Jones. "That's the reason you go there."

Both athletes will be running in the 5000m seeking to qualifying times for the NCAA championships.

Back in Tucson, Murray prepares to host the second to last meet before the Pacific-10 Conference championships.

"It should be the best meet we'll have because of good weather and good competition," Murray said in reference to the poor luck the Wildcats have had with wind all season.

The UA men's and women's track team expect to continue the success they've had in recent weeks, once again exemplified by having one of their own named Pac-10 athlete of the week.

For his performance in the pole vault at the Drake Relays last weekend, senior Jeff Dutoit was awarded this honor, the third for a Wildcat in the last four weeks.

"The biggest thing is that it gives him confidence, and its a good time to have it," Murray said. "He's back where he needs to be."

Not only is Arizona running well, but Arizona State enters in having run impressive meets in Oregon and Pennsylvania.

"(The meet will be strong because) they're strong is areas we're not, and we're strong in areas they're not," Murray said. "It's going to come down to those second and third places finishes that will determine who'll win the meet."