62 // VARSITY April 17, 2014
Badgers head west for trio
of meets in California
Connor makes outdoor debut at Mt. SAC
W
isconsin Director of
Track & Field and
Cross Country Mick
Byrne has had this weekend
circled on his calender, know-
ing that the Badgers would be
looking for some top marks
out in California.
The big meet for the Badgers
this weekend is the 56th an-
nual Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut,
Calif., as some of the world's
best athletes will compete in
the three day meet.
"Mt. SAC is a big weekend
for us," Byrne said. "We have
some kids accepted in the in-
vitaitonal races there. Jay Cato
will compete in the pole vault
and Reed Connor and Mala-
chy Schrobilgen will run in the
5000 meters. It's a loaded, na-
tional-caliber race with pros
and college kids."
The loaded 5000 meters at Mt. SAC
also features a familar face, as former
Wisconsin standout Maverick Darling
will run.
With two other meets going on nearby
in the Bryan Clay Invitational and the
Beach Track & Field Invitational, the
Badgers will have opportunities to com-
pete mutliple times this weekend.
"This gives our kids an opportunity
to compete both Friday and Saturday,"
Byrne said. "It just fits in well with our
travel plans, and that's why we're going
there. There's great opportunities for
all of our field event athletes to get into
meets in warm weather. That's the objec-
tive."
A month into the outdoor season, By-
rne is pleased with how his team has
done, espcially considering that, due to
the lingering cold weather, the Badgers
haven't had as many opportunities to
train outdoors.
"I think we're right where we want to
be right now," Byrne said. "We haven't
thrown anything huge down, but we al-
ways say if we're getting better from one
week to the next, then it's good as we
head into championship season. I think
we're in a good spot.
"Our big guns are starting to get out
there now and are positioning them-
selves for NCAA regional qualifiers. And
that's what we expect from them. After
this weekend, most of our guys and girls
will be in a situation where we'll know
exactly who's going to the regionals, and
that's important."
SCHEDULE
THIS WEEK
Friday-Saturday Mt. SAC Relays
Friday Bryan Clay Invitational
Saturday Beach Track & Field Invite
INSIDE
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD
BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK
