ELLENSBURG, Wash. (March 12) — As many as 70 Central Washington University outdoor track and field athletes are expected to compete for the Wildcats at the Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Invitational this Saturday (March 14) in Parkland, Wash.
 
It's the first meet for many, including those competing in javelin, discus, 10,000 meters and the steeplechase—events that are not offered during the track and field indoor season.
 
"Getting going with outdoor [season] is always really interesting," CWU head track and field coach Kevin Adkisson said. "Many of our athletes have been preparing since October, so we're looking forward to seeing what they can do."
 
The outdoor season presents new obstacles for the Wildcats, as competing in a variety of weather conditions can—and does—impact performances.
 
"We're having to deal with new elements such as rain, which can cause things to have a little less of a grip, so people are learning to deal with that," Adkisson added.
 
Among the Wildcats expected to compete in new events are Megan Rogers and Rudy Spencer in the 10,000. Samantha Lester will also participate in discus and hammer.
 
"Sam's been working really hard since October," Adkisson pointed out. "We're looking forward to seeing how she performs in this first one."
 
Many indoor track and field participants will also be switching events for the outdoor season.
 
"This will be a good opportunity for them to build on what they've done during the indoor season and continue to get better," Adkisson noted.
 
Dani Eggleston, an All-West Region honoree in the 5,000-meter indoor race, will also compete in the outdoor event.
 
"Dani is really close to getting another qualifying mark for the national [outdoor] provisional," Adkisson said. "If conditions are good, she'll have a good chance to get it for outdoor."
 
This year's competition, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will consist of athletes from other Great Northwest Athletic Conference teams, NCAA Division III institutions and community colleges.