February 18, 2016
Hey Badger Fans!
It is good to be back in action after a week away! This weekend we traveled to Ames, Iowa for a meet at Iowa State University. This meet is really good for us to go to because the competition levels are high, it is relatively close, and the Cyclones facility boasts a 300-meter indoor track! It is safe so say that other than nationals, this meet has a very diversified mix of schools with some from way out in California and others as far south as Mississippi.
On the Mens side, Lorenzo Larry led with a victory in the 60 meter dash. The Women’s side also saw some great performances from freshman Amy Davis in the 5k as well as a two foot personal best in the weight throw by redshirt freshman Banke Oginni. In addition, several other distance runners reached new personal bests. Ebony McClendon led the way in women’s sprints with top five finishes in both the 100 and 200 meter dash.
We have come to this meet in Iowa every year since I have been here, so the bus trip is pretty familiar to me. Everyone has all different ways of making the time pass; some play cards, others read or do homework, some watch movies, but a large amount choose to nap through most of it. I personally do a mix of napping and watching movies. We also stay at the same hotel every time we come, which unfortunately is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, our bus driver was able to give us a ride to a fantastic barbeque restaurant. The meat was cooked to perfection and everyone had all the saucy evidence on their hands of a delicious meal afterwards. Needless to say we did not have any distance members of the team on this meal excursion. Aside from getting to see all corners of the country when we travel, I have to say one of my most favorite parts about traveling is getting to eat some delicious meals. The one thing I like to try in particular when I travel is barbeque, and the place we went to in Iowa did not disappoint. Although I must say, my favorite barbeque I have ever had while traveling was in Austin, Texas when we were there for outdoor regionals last year.
Our next meet is also our last home indoor meet and our last tune-up before the Big Ten Conference competition the following weekend. This meet will be different than our other two home meets we have had this year because we will have multiple teams there as well as some unattached athletes. A little bird told me that former Badger thrower stand out Michael Lihrman will be there to compete in his shining event, the weight throw! Exact times and an event schedule will be posted on the track page.
Hope to see you this Friday and if not have a great week Badger Fans!
Kelsey Card