Competing in the familiar surroundings of Horton Field House can only benefit the Illinois State track and field teams according to head coach Elvis Forde. Fortunately, the advantage will weigh on his mens and womens squads this Friday when the Redbirds host the Redbird Open in the fieldhouse starting with the mens hammer throw at 2 p.m.
Hopefully, anytime you are at home, your athletes realize the pride in representing their home turf, Forde said. Although we continue the preparation phase toward the Missouri Valley Conference Championships, we still want to put athletes in events that help to defend their territory while also benefiting them for the championships.
Hosting two meets in the indoor season will only help the Redbirds as they gear up for the MVC Indoor Championships, which coincidently will be held in Horton Field House as the Birds will host the meet Feb. 28-March 1. With a Dec. 6, 2002, meet under their belts and then Fridays Redbird Open to add to the mix, the Redbirds should be working towards dominating at the meet.
We are always trying to improve and work on our little things, the technical aspects, Forde said. Being at home, we get the feel and excitement of the crowd behind us and this weekends meet will act like a stimulus for the MVC Championships.
Coach Forde was especially pleased with his teams efforts last weekend at the UNI Invite. Personal bests in the middle distance events and a strong showing from thrower Latisha Johnson on the shot put and weight as well as JaRod Tobler in the high and triple jumps highlighted ISUs showing. The confidence that continues to strengthen throughout the season will be evident on Friday.
On the mens side, we had a very good weekend and hopefully it was a confidence builder, Forde said. JaRod found his way in the jumps and Chivas (Hemphill) and Dwayne (Smith) continue to start to find their way in that area. We probably know at this point who is going to benefit us the most at the MVC Championships, but we are still looking for fringe athletes to step up and be ready for any competition. This weekend will determine that.
In the distances, the women have been especially strong for us and the throws will be tested Friday when some other athletes go up against them, but we continue to improve in all areas and will use every experience to gain momentum. Friday will be a good chance to show off our athletes in front of home fans and hopefully the vibrance will carry over to the championships.
Other teams competing at the Redbird Open include both the men and women from Marquette and Arkansas State. The mens team from Southern Illinois and the women from Bradley will also be in attendance while Florissant Valley CC, Danville Area CC and Ren Lake College will bring athletes as well.
