Illinois State track and field head coach Elvis Forde doesnt see much more that can be done before the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships Feb. 25-26.
This season has seen its share of personal best marks and school records and Forde senses that his team is ready for next weeks challenge.
My philosophy is that at this time of the year, you either have it or you dont, Forde said. I feel good about the athletes abilities, now they have to go out there and perform. It is left up to them when the competition starts.
Forde will take a small group to the Friday Night Special in Charleston this weekend, giving a chance to certain athletes who havent competed much this season. The majority of the throwers will be traveling to the Eastern Illinois meet however, in hopes of keeping a good rhythm going.
Well pretty much take all of the throwers this weekend, Forde said. They really feel that it is a rhythm thing and this is just another opportunity to perform and get better.
Senior Rhett Hillard has thrown his two best marks of the season during the last two weekends, with his best coming at the McDonalds Invite in Carbondale two weeks ago. Hillard threw the second best mark in school history with a distance of 58-6, while also throwing 60-1 in the weight throw.
On the womens side, Janine Zylinski has been the top shot put thrower for the Redbirds, throwing a personal best 46-10 1/4 at the Redbird Invite on Jan. 29.
Forde will also use this meet to give the heptathletes a final tune-up before the conference championships. Freshman Frannie Epps has missed the majority of the indoor season due to injury, but the team has had a healthy Brittney Hourd for the entire season. Both will compete in the heptathlon next weekend.
Frannie twisted her ankle and thats taken her out the last three weeks, Forde said. Hopefully, well see her come back and be competitive and ready to go. Were also excited about Brittney and well use this weekend to give her more experience in events that she really hasnt seen much time in.
