The BG women’s track team is hoping that the April showers hold off this weekend as they travel to Bluffton College tomorrow for the Bluffton Invitational. The Falcons will face off against several teams from NCAA divisions II and III as well as teams with NAIA affiliation.
BG will be facing division II schools Ferris State and Tiffin as well as division III schools Bluffton, Defiance, and Albion. Taylor and Notre Dame College will also be competing.
Despite being the only division I school entered in the meet, the BG women are not taking this competition lightly. The meet will be scored and the Falcons aim to win.
“It may be a step down [in the level of competition], but many of these schools still have quality competitors,” head coach Scott Sehmann said. “They aren’t large name division I schools, but they have a fair amount of strong athletes. We will have to work very hard to be competitive.”
The weather will definitely be a factor as the Falcons chase a win this weekend. The cool temperatures, rain and wind are less than ideal conditions for a track meet.
“Schools in the South have an advantage in getting their athletes prepared for bigger meets. It would be a plus [for us] when it comes to regional head to head competition,” Sehmann said.
While the team is hoping for good weather, they also hope to use the meet as a workout and work on some of their goals.
“One of our big goals is comraderie. Cheering, looking out for each other, I feel we have a ways to go in that area,” Sehmann said. “Getting through the meet healthy is also a goal, as well as taking advantage of the opportunity to get better.”
This meet will truly be a team effort, with all of the members competing.
“We plan to compete everybody. The most positive aspect of this meet is bringing the entire team together for the competition,” Sehmann said.
The Falcon runners have been working hard this week in preparation for tomorrow’s meet. The Invite will be a chance for them to gain experience, work towards their goals and win a scored meet.
Events will begin in Bluffton at 10 a.m.