Track And Field Travels To Ole Miss For Meet

Friday, April 13

Oxford, Miss.

12 pm

University of Memphis

Joe Walker Invitational

Photo by: Michael Wade

Apr 12, 2018 | Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field

Tigers hope for good weather, look to set more records.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Earlier this week, the weather forecast looked as if it was going to give the University of Memphis track and field squads a break for Ole Miss' Joe Walker Invitational Friday-Saturday, Apr. 13-14.

However, forecasts can change – as head coach Kevin Robinson has alluded to many times – and for the fifth-straight meet, the Tigers are more than likely going to compete against Mother Nature this weekend.

"It's amazing how much better the athletes feel when the sun comes out," said Robinson. "The joints don't feel so bad, there's no need for three layers of clothing, and you're not getting slapped by the wind down the back stretch. You want to keep preaching that no matter the conditions, you have to compete. The reality is, though, it is more difficult in cold temperatures and bad weather."

The two-day meet starts Friday afternoon with a slight chance of rain for 12 events (seven field/five running). Saturday's action that begins in the morning is under a forecast of thunderstorms and an 80 percent chance of rain.

Reunion Reminder
The Memphis track and field program is holding a reunion weekend, Apr. 27-28 on the University of Memphis campus. A special reception is scheduled for the Hardaway Hall of Fame, located at 570 Normal Street, on Friday, Apr. 27 from 7-10 p.m. (CT). The 2018 Memphis Invitational takes place Friday and Saturday, Apr. 27-28 at the Memphis Track and Field Complex located on the University's Park Avenue campus.

Head coach Kevin Robinson comments
"As I said earlier this season, I'm cautiously optimist about what this team can achieve. For the most part, we have individuals putting up some good numbers, but this is a team sport. Right now, I need the entire team to step up. We're getting closer to that each week. We have some pieces that haven't fit yet into the puzzle, but we're getting closer and closer to putting that full team on the track.

"It's great seeing our athletes receive individual accolades, it's great seeing some pockets of our team rise up and perform. But, team championships rely on every member. That's my goal now: to get every member of the team engaged and contributing. If we can do that, we could have the best team we've had."

Teams Competing
Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Michigan, Jackson State, Memphis, Meridian CC, Ole Miss, Saint Louis, Southeast Missouri, West Alabama

Tigers Tidbits/Five "What To Watch For":

Welcome Back:For the first time since the spring of 2014, the Tigers are carrying their full squad to Oxford, Miss., for an Ole Miss meet. Memphis competed in the Ole Miss Classic last season, but only took its throws group to the meet the week before the American Athletic Conference Championships. From 2002-14, Memphis competed in at least one Ole Miss-hosted meet during the outdoor season.
Weekend Off:After throwing the first four meets, All-Americans Michael Criticos and Ashley Pryke are not scheduled to compete in the men's and women's javelin, respectively. The Tigers will not have a thrower in the men's javelin, but Kelly Baxter, Mari-Liis Tulev and Jasmine Wilson all will throw in the women's javelin. Last week, Criticos and Pryke swept the javelin titles at the Crimson Tide Invitational.
Who Needs Good Weather:From the numbers, the Tigers track and field squads are doing quite well in spite of the inclement weather they've faced this spring. After the first four meet weekends, Memphis has set seven outdoor school records combined (five women/two men). Last season, the Tigers had five school marks. In 2016, Memphis had 11 school records in the outdoor campaign.
Dropping Down:Two weeks after setting school records, Martina Rodriguez Sala and Arnica Zitting are moving down in distance races this weekend. Rodriguez Sala, who ran a school-record 4:17.99 in the women's 1500 meters at the Mar. 30 Raleigh Relays, runs in the women's 800 meters Saturday. Zitting set the school record in the women's 10,000 meters at the same meet two weeks ago and races in the 5000 meters Friday night.

DeMoss, Olojo At Full Strength:Davon DeMoss and Olushola Olojo are scheduled to compete in all of their events this weekend. DeMoss, who ran in three events last weekend, competes in the men's 100 and 200 meters in addition to the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. It is the first time this season he will run in all four events at the same meet. Olojo jumps in both the long and triple events for the first time this outdoor season.