The UNF men’s and women’s track and field teams will compete at the UNF Spring Break Open Outdoor tournament March 6-7 at Hodges Stadium. Coming back from the Atlantic Sun Indoor Track competition with victories, both teams have the ability to make some high rankings in the upcoming outdoor tournament, UNF assistant track and field coach Julie Stackhouse said.

WHAT
The Spring Break Open is a tournament that draws some of the most well-known teams in the country to compete for the top positions in track and field. Florida State University, University of Florida, Duke University and Penn State are among those that will be attending the outdoor invitational. It is UNF’s first home meet of the season and will take place on UNF’s new world-class track.

“The conference is getting stronger every year, but we are working hard to improve as well,” Stackhouse said. “Our overriding goal is always to put ourselves in the best position.”

The teams are expecting a large group to attend and have prepared by making sure they have many volunteers helping at the tournament. UNF has taken several steps towards opening their track, and finally finished the process in late February.

WHEN
March 6-7, all day

WHERE
UNF’s Hodges Stadium
Jacksonville, Fla.

LOOKING BACK
In 2008, both the men’s and women’s track and field teams had outstanding performances for the outdoor meets, which included one Osprey who finished outside the top five.

The men’s team placed sixth and the women’s team placed third overall. The women’s team marked its best time in the meet’s history, earning all-conference honors.

THIS SEASON
UNF has fifth place finishes for the women’s team and seventh place finishes for the men’s team so far in the 2009 season. Junior pole-vaulter Anne DelBovo is currently the Atlantic Sun Conference champion for the pole vault, flying 3.05 meter for first place.

Sophomore Will Pearce also took an all-conference third place finish in the mile, and Charisma Anderson set a new UNF record in the 60 meter dash with 7.81 seconds this year.

Compiled by Heather Furey.