Track to run in Auburn

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Warm weather conditions are expected to greet the Middle Tennessee track and field teams this Saturday as they will travel to Auburn, Ala., to compete at the 2011 Tiger Track Classic.

"We are hoping for good conditions," head coach Dean Hayes said. "We have dealt with some rotten weather this spring and good weather should really improve our performances this weekend."

Coming off a cold-wet Yellow Jacket Classic last weekend, which saw multiple events scratched because of outdoor conditions, the expected Saturday 70 degree with sunshine should see the team see nice results.

"Track is meant to be an outdoor sport. Although we do have indoor facilities, the athletes want to compete outside."

Two of Middle Tennessee's top male competitors, Festus Chemaoi and Roscoe Payne, will return to action and are both expected to run close to full-strength. Chemoai will compete in the 3,000 meters with Payne set to race in the 400-meter hurdles.

The jumpers from the women's team are expected to compete as well. Kiara Henry won the long jump two weeks ago at the Rhodes Open Meet as well as finishing as the top collegiate last weekend in Atlanta. Cherice Robertson took the high jump at Rhodes.

"Our jumpers have done well. They have battled through tough conditions like everyone else and come out on top."

Results for Saturday's Yellow Jacket Invitational will be available on DeltaTiming.com with post-meet coverage on GoBlueRaiders.com.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.