The first annual Redbird Track & Field Throwers Challenge will have competitive juices flowing so strong that Minute Maid might want to sign on as a sponsor. The 10 implement throwers from Illinois States mens and womens track teams will square off in an intrasquad competition at 4 p.m. Sunday at Horton Field House. And the stakes are high ... losing team members will carry the teams throwing equipment to all road meets for the entire 2003-04 season.
The brainchild of Redbird assistant coach for throws Brent Chumbley, the competition was born of a need for ... well, competition.
These athletes have trained so hard during the summer and fall that they needed a competition just to let it all go, said Chumbley. Anyone who has seen throwers compete knows that they are as intense as any athletes youll see. Believe me, our athletes are motivated. Five minutes after I suggested we do something, the two captains had already picked teams.
The competition will feature Rhett Hillards Hard Chargers against Latisha Johnsons Killaz. Each athlete will get four throws with the shot and four with the weight. Each team members best score with each implement will be added to the team score. Highest total feet for all throws wins.
The competitive intensity will be like a conference meet, said Chumbley, and maybe more intense than that. Its for bragging rights on the team. They are competitive, but we have a great, family atmosphere on this team. Well battle each other, but, when all is said and done, were all Redbirds.
Illinois States indoor track and field season begins Dec. 6 with the Redbird Open at Horton Field House.
Illinois State Throwers Challenge Teams
Hard Chargers: Rhett Hillard, Mark Jackson, Dustin Tetrault, Margie Boyd, Ashley Minner.
Killaz: Latisha Johnson, Brian Krantz, Taylor Carbaugh, Rodney Parker, Dale Noack.
