With a young group of sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers, assistant coach Jody Stewart is hoping the experience his athletes gain will pay off tremendously toward the end of the season.

Another huge step toward the end of the season takes place today and Saturday at the Gina Relays in Hillsdale, Mich.

“They did a great job during the regular season indoors, and now the big issue is getting more experience, more reps in big meets,” Stewart said.

Now in its 44th year, the Gina Relays is traditionally a very competitive meet.

Stewart said he is looking for his group to compete hard in order to maximize the team’s chance for success.

“Like every other weekend, my big thing is going out there and competing hard. That’s so important,” Stewart said. “It’s a great meet, where they’ll see some tough competition, and I think they’ll do really well.”

“Being a part of these competitive meets and getting out there and fighting, it’s only going to make us better.”

As part of the big picture, Stewart is hoping to get a productive meet from his group to help put the team on its way to making an improvement on its ninth-place finish at the Mid-American Conference Championships last season.

“Bowling Green has always had a great distance and throws program. And now for the sprints, hurdles, and jumps crew to get in there and contribute and develop from there, I think they’re doing a wonderful job at it,” he said.

He said ultimately the key is to compete hard and hope for the very best results.

“Especially after our indoor conference meet, [the key is] really stepping it up and competing hard and going out there and just giving it their best,” Stewart said. “It’s just going out when we’ve left that track saying you gave it everything you had; that’s all we ask for.”

BG is still seeking its first team title in the outdoor season. The Falcons will begin competing today at noon and resume Saturdy at 10 a.m.