Feb. 1, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois women's track and field team will travel to Kenosha, Wis. this Saturday to compete in the Tadd Metzger Invitational, hosted by Carthage College.

Running and field events begin at 11 a.m. The competition will include NCAA Division III teams from Concordia University Chicago, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Rockford College, and University of Wisconsin-Parkside, among others.

Head coach Connie Teaberry is looking forward to watching her athletes compete this weekend. She anticipates a rewarding day for the team as they are coming off a tough week of practice.

"The girls have worked really hard and are ready to compete," Teaberry said.

One of the most intriguing events of the day will be the high jump, where senior Elizabeth Berquist (Toddville, Iowa/Alburnett) and sophomore Jessica Statler (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Cedar Rapids Prairie) will continue their in-house rivalry. Currently, Berquist holds the Northern Illinois indoor record at 5'08.75", a mark both are she and Statler are chasing.

Although this will be a smaller meet for the Huskies, assistant coach Mark McConeghey believes the meet's setting will "be a chance for us to gain some confidence." Many of the athletes will have the opportunity to participate in multiple events and the coaching staff is looking to see the team excel in all areas of competition.

"As a whole we've been improving each meet," McConeghey also noted, and this weekend will be another opportunity for the team to surpass expectations.