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149 T he 17th annual Musco Twilight meet was a bit of a paradox. Traditionally the only outdoor home meet of the University of Iowa track and field season, Musco serves as a celebration for Iowa's graduating senior class. is year, 14 Hawkeyes were presented framed jerseys in front of the home crowd as individual highlights sounded from the Francis X. Cretzmeyer public address system. On one hand, it represented the end of a career. On the other hand, it represented the beginning of what should be the most enjoyable part of the season. From Musco to Drake to Big Tens to the NCAA Championships, the final stretch of the schedule reads like murder mystery. At the beginning, there is a complete cast of characters introduced to the plotline — an entire roster of Hawkeyes fighting for conference and national relevancy. e story plays out in the middle, with some celebrating titles and a chance to play another day, while others see their story end. By the final chapter, only a few characters remain. ey are the ones celebrating their survival in Eugene, Oregon — site of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship finals. "is is what it's all about. Competing at a high level this time of year," UI Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said following Iowa's 13 gold medals at Musco Twilight XVII. e Hawkeyes' event titles at Musco included sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, and throws. ere were 10 individual winners and three relay champions. "It was a spectacular night for Iowa track and field," Woody said. "It's fun to watch every event because we were competing at such a high level and the performances were awesome across the board." When Iowa won its Big Ten men's team title in 2011, it did so with an across-the board formula. e Hawkeyes won individual titles in sprints, jumps, and throws, and 21 other events — including distance, hurdles, and relays — scored points. e competition at Musco pales in comparison to what Iowa will see individually at Drake from April 28-30 or from the teams chasing similar conference dreams in Lincoln, Nebraska, on May 13-15. But when you're competing against a clock or tape measure, you can gauge success no matter the scene, and at Musco — the first day of the rest of the season — the Hawkeyes delivered 44 season bests. "I couldn't be more pleased with where we're at right now heading into Drake and then the Big Ten week," Woody said. "e athletes represented Iowa track and field at its best. We are ready to do big things." MAY SCHEDULE April 28-30 Drake Relays, Des Moines, Iowa May 13-15 Big Ten Championships, Lincoln, Nebraska May 26-28 NCAA West Regional, Lawrence, Kansas