Kansas Track & Field in Action Saturday at Arizona
April 2, 2009
LAWRENCE, Kan. – After weather cut short Kansas track and field’s season opener last weekend at the Missouri Relays, the Jayhawks look to complete their first full meet of the outdoor season Saturday at the Jim Click Shootout in Tucson, Ariz.
“I would definitely consider this a season opener for those that didn’t compete last weekend,” Kansas head coach Stanley Redwine said. “We’re trying to do some other things as far as simulating workouts, but there’s definitely nothing that can replace competition. But at the same time, we’re happy and we’re ready to go. Hopefully our athletes are excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”
Kansas is one of two Big 12 teams competing, as Nebraska will also be in Tucson. Two teams from the Pac-10 (Arizona and Washington) and two from the Big Ten (Penn State and Wisconsin) complete the field.
“We’re one of two teams representing the Big 12,” Redwine said. “So we definitely want to do well this weekend.”
Nickesha Anderson, who was scheduled to make her 2009 debut at the Missouri Relays, will do so a week later than expected as she competes in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100-meter relay and 4×400-meter relay this weekend. The senior from Hanover, Jamaica, was a 2008 Olympian for Jamaica and is the Kansas school record holder in both the 100 meters and 200 meters.
“It’s Nickesha’s first time running for the University of Kansas since last year, and we’re looking for her to do well,” Redwine said.
Two-time All-American Stephanie Horton will be in action as well, throwing both the shot put and the discus. Several other Jayhawks, many of them freshmen, will look to make a name for themselves Saturday at Arizona.
“Throughout the team, we want to do well and compete well,” Redwine explained. “A total team effort is what wins championships. We’re looking for everyone to do better. I think the athletes have that in mind and are wanting to do better, so we’re definitely excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”
The team competition at the Roy P. Drachman Stadium begins Saturday at 10 a.m. CDT. Full results can be found at www.kuathletics.com upon completion of the day’s events.
