Track Teams Head to Idaho

PROVO -- After getting a strong start to the 2011 season, the BYU track teams will head to Pocatello, Idaho to compete in the Snake River Open on Saturday, hosted by Idaho State.

This will be another chance for the teams to show improvement and look to build momentum as they head into the bulk of their season. The Cougars will compete against athletes from Idaho State, Southern Utah, Utah, Utah Valley and Weber State at the meet.

“It will be nice for our young athletes to get some good competition,” men’s head coach Mark Robison said. “I expect good things.”

Junior Miles Batty was impressive in the opening meet, setting the fastest NCAA time in the mile this season at 3:59.27. While the runners all looked top-notch, the field competitors also showed solid performances with Philip Bettis setting a personal record in the high jump, clearing 2.05m (6-08.75).

On the women’s side, several prominent athletes that did not compete in the opening BYU Invitational will see their first action in Idaho. All-Americans Lacey Bleazard and Katie Palmer will both compete for the first time in 2011.

“This will be the first meet for a good group of distance runners,” women’s head coach Patrick Shane said. “We will get to see more athletes compete and will look for continued improvement.”

ISU features a wooden track, which will provide a unique element to the meet. All events will be run in a condensed format, beginning at 11 a.m. MDT on Saturday.