Today, the men's and women's track and field teams travel to Clemson, S.C. to participate in the ACC Indoor Track Championships.
The men finished sixth among some very tight competition last year -- just 12 points separated third place from seventh place -- while the women's team took ninth place.
The men "would like to finish in the top three," senior distance runner Kevin McHale said. "It's going to be really tough to beat Florida State and Clemson, but if we're competitive the whole way through, placing in the top three would be pretty good for us."
The women are also looking to improve upon last year's score.
"I guess if everyone scores what they are supposed to score, we are supposed to place in the top six," junior discus thrower Billie Jo Grant said. "So a good goal for us would be to be in the top five."
One twist in this weekend's competition will be that, at this point in the season, most of the teams have already faced off at least once before. Virginia will know what to expect from teams it sees at the meet, but likewise, the teams will know what to expect from Virginia.
Track, like swimming, differs slightly from other sports in that athletes compete both for the team and as individuals. Different point levels are awarded for each ranking in each race. At the end of the meet, points are tallied, and teams' overall rankings are determined.
Though individuals want to contribute to their overall team score, one of their biggest goals is to qualify for the NCAA meet. Although qualifying for the NCAA Championships is possible during any meet, the intensely competitive atmosphere at ACC meets can motivate individuals.
An ACC meet "is a very special time," Grant said. "When you compete in an event you are not only thinking about winning the event for yourself, but you are also trying to win it for your team, so there is a little extra motivation."
Both senior Tomika Ferguson and Grant have already qualified provisionally for NCAA Championships, but both will continue to aim for personal goals at the meet.
"I'd like to place in the top three," Grant said. "Really though, I'd love to win the meet. There are seven or eight girls that throw over 50 feet in the shot put, so I just need to do the best I can and compete well and hopefully that will get it done."
One of the biggest advantages for the Cavaliers will be the timing of the meet as the team already has competed in seven meets and is in great shape.
"You know pretty much anything can happen," McHale said. "So you just have to know your competition, and then get out there and race."
Read More
Abysmal start proves too much to overcome as Virginia exits ACC Tournament early
By Ryan Weiner | YesterdayIf the Cavaliers make the NCAA Tournament, they cannot afford to play another game like this.
As the Walshes take their final bow, the swimming world pauses
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoHow could anyone possibly describe the success of this duo?
Virginia women’s track & field wins ACC Championships
By Caroline Wulff | 3 days agoThe last time the Virginia women’s track and field team won ACC Outdoor Championships was 1987 — at least until this past weekend.
