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Track, field opens indoor season Friday

December 6, 2012
Megan Gregory

Megan Gregory

The Northern Illinois track and field team opens its 2012-13 season Friday afternoon when they take part in the Cyclone Holiday Preview in Ames, Iowa.

The meet starts at 2 p.m. with the weight throw, while running events start at 3:20 p.m. with the 5,000 meters.

“The staff is excited to begin the 2012-2013 season,” said NIU head coach Connie Teaberry. “We are taking a small group over to Iowa State Friday. Although we are far from ready, this meet gives the athletes and coaches a chance to see where their skill levels are after fall training.”

The Huskies are coming off a 2011-12 campaign with several highlights.

NIU garnered four individual Mid-American Conference champions between indoor and outdoor season, while also breaking over 20 school records. They capped the season by sending a program-high four entries to the 2012 NCAA West Preliminary Round in Austin, Texas.

Heading into 2012-13, Northern will boast plenty of experience on the track and in the field. Highlighting the returnees are record-setting sprinters and defending MAC champions Megan Gregory, Chanel Kellyman and Janay Mitchell. Beyond those three, Rebecca Cronin, Jenelle McCalla and Sidra Sherrill are also primed for big seasons.

That journey begins this weekend in Ames, where the Huskies will run into plenty of quality competition. Highlighting the field are Big 12 powers Iowa State and Missouri, along with Missouri Valley schools Northern Iowa and Drake. Meanwhile, Division II powers Northwest Missouri State and Lincoln (Mo.) will only add to the stacked field.

“This competition will give us a gauge on what and where we need to continue to strive for success,” Teaberry said. “There have been some improvements, but we have also had several setbacks this fall, which hinder some athletes from traveling. Even through the adversity, the ladies have worked diligently. We are excited they have this opportunity to see their work pay off.”

For more information on NIU track and field and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.