Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - April 3, 2014

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66 // VARSITY April 3, 2014 INSIDE TRACK & FIELD UW heads back to Sunshine State for Florida Relays Badgers open month against competitive field BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK A fter a week off from competition, the Bad- gers are back in action this weekend, heading south once again to compete in the Florida Relays on Friday and Saturday in Gainesville, Fla. Wisconsin last competed March 21-22 at the Walt Dis- ney Open in Orlando, Fla., but Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Mick Byrne be- lieves the Florida Relays' is the first true test for the Badgers during the outdoor season. "It's the type of competition that we are looking for to kick- start everything," Byrne said. "We will face some great teams there. It is one of those meets where you can't just take ev- eryone, there is quality across the board in every event, and I think that is what we need." The competition will be tough, with six ranked men's teams, including No. 2 Florida and No. 6 Wisconsin. There's also six ranked teams competing on the women's side, headlined by the No. 4 Ga- tors. On the men's side, Michael Lihrman will make his season debut for Wiscon- sin. A junior from Rice Lake, Wis., Li- hrman will compete for the first time since winning the weight throw at the NCAA indoor championships. He will compete in the hammer throw during the outdoor season, and Byrne is excited to see what Lihrman will do. "Hopefully the transition from the weight to hammer will be smooth," By- rne said. "They are two completely dif- ferent events. I am excited personally to see how he adjusts to the event. It is still early in the season, and you want every meet to be a stepping stone to the next meet." Wisconsin will also have a great group open its season in the middle distance events, as Austin Mudd and Alex Hatz will compete on the men's side in the 1500 meters. Molly Hanson will run in the women's 800, while Sarah Disanza, Gabi Anzalone and Emma-Lisa Murphy will run in the 1500 meters. "The Florida Relays is a quality meet," Byrne said. "It is a great opportunity for our middle distance runners to get started. It's that time of the year for our runners, the weather is warm and we are expecting some great things from our athletes." SCHEDULE LAST TIME OUT March 21-22 Walt Disney Open THIS WEEK Friday-Saturday Florida Relays

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