April 3, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois women's track and field team may not have any home meets this season, but this weekend's competition is as close as it gets.

The Huskies will compete at the Chicagoland Championships in Naperville, Ill., Friday and Saturday (April 4-5). The event, hosted by North Central College, will be held at Buikema Track, about 40 minutes drive from the NIU campus.

"This is a terrific opportunity for fans in the community to come support the team," head coach Connie Teaberry said.

Teaberry, who earned her first collegiate coaching win at the Chicagoland Championships in 2005, believes the meet's proximity to campus will breed an added enthusiasm within her team.

"The girls are very excited to get out and compete in front of their families, friends and peers," she said. "I expect a little extra boost from the support we'll receive."

Northern Illinois is coming off a fifth-place finish at the Southern Ohio Cup, where Shoshanna Brown (Planfield, Ill./Romeoville) and Meagan Guenther (Highland Park, Ill./Highland Park) both won events, and Jessica Statler (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Cedar Rapids Prairie) and Coretta Evans (Wheeling, Ill./Evanston Township) notched top-five finishes.

"We did well last week, but I certainly see a lot of areas in which we can improve," Teaberry said. "This weekend offers a chance to make some real positive strides toward some of our season goals."

The Huskies start competition at the Chicagoland Championships Friday at noon with throwing events. Running events start Saturday at 11 a.m.

Directions to North Central College from DeKalb
Head east on I-88/Reagan Memorial Tollway
Take the Winfield Rd exit
Turn right at Winfield Rd
Turn left at W Diehl Rd
Turn right at N Washington St
Turn left at E Chicago Ave
Turn right on S Brainard St