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Big Ten Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships Preview Release
Feb. 23, 2005
Complete Release in PDF Format The Big Ten men's track and field teams kick off the indoor postseason this weekend as the 2005 Big Ten Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships is set to get underway on Saturday, February 26 at the Lambert Fieldhouse on the campus of Purdue University. Defending indoor champion Wisconsin, who is projected to finish third at the NCAA Indoor Championships, will look to claim its fifth consecutive Conference crown during the two-day event. The Badgers will face tough competition from Indiana and Michigan who are also ranked in the top three of the latest Trackwire 25. The Hoosiers enter this year's meet with several top competitors, including sophomore David Neville who currently holds the fastest Conference times in the 200- and 400-meter dashes. IU will look to improve on its second place finish in the distance medley relay from a year ago, as the squad of John and Sean Jefferson, Rodney Hollis and Andre Grimes hold the League's top time. In the field events, the Hoosiers will look to junior Aarik Wilson in the triple jump. The junior, a Big Ten Athlete of the Week honoree this season, is the top seed with a mark of 16.36 meters. The Wolverines have won a Conference record 26 Indoor Team Championships and has produced 208 individual champions and 19 relay titles. Sophomore Nick Willis will attempt to defend his title in the 3,000-meters, while junior Nate Brannen, a two-time Athlete of the Week selection, looks to improve upon his 3:55.11 mile time set at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games on January 29. The Illinois Fighting Illini should also be expected to perform well, as they have had several strong showings this season, including Zach Glavish who holds the fastest 600- and 800-meter times in the Conference. Action will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the heptathlon 60-meters and will feature trials and semifinals rounds in most running events, as well as the finals of the 3,000-meters and distance medley relay. Field event champions will also be crowned in the long jump, shot put, pole vault. The meet will continue on Sunday with the heptathlon 60-meter hurdles at 10:20 a.m.
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