March 13, 2013

DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois track & field team will spend their spring break in grand style this week, as they compete in South Florida’s Bulls Invitational in Tampa, Fla.
 
The meet gets underway Thursday with the hammer throw and 5000 meters. Meanwhile, the bulk of the meet will be on Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m.
 
“Heading to the University of South Florida to train and compete will benefit our athletes tremendously,” said NIU head coach Connie Teaberry. “Due to the weather in DeKalb, we are unable to practice outdoors to get acclimated to the wind, the 400 meter track and the different events in the field. We will complete three quality days of training with a competition on Friday. While there, we will also partake in team-building activities. Preparation is the key to success and this week we will begin our outdoor journey.”
 
The Huskies go outdoors after a successful indoor season that saw them place 10th at the MAC Indoor Championships. Janay Mitchell earned second team all-conference recognition in the 60 meters, while a host of other Huskies scored team points.
 
Heading into the rare weekday meet, NIU gets to take on some premier programs in the South and Midwest alike. Slated to compete are No. 18 Florida State, No. 23 Michigan, Kentucky, Rutgers and the host Bulls. Other Division I schools in the field include MAC rival Central Michigan, IPFW, Marquette, Marshall and Chattanooga.