Mississippi State Travels To Quaker State for Historic Penn Relays
"The Penn Relays are one of the premier track and field events," coach Steve Dudley said. "Some of the best athletes in the world will be competing, and there is an energy that surrounds the track that is just electric. It is one of those places where every athlete needs to compete at least once in their career."
Much of the competition Thursday and Friday will focus on preliminary action, with finals competition beginning as Friday progresses.
"With track and field, competition comes in stages," Dudley stated. "You cannot take it easy at any point. If you do not push yourself in the beginning then you are not in a position to compete on the final days. At State we want to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to compete and continue to move towards our goal of being one of the premier programs."
MSU's time at the Penn Relays gets underway at 10 a.m. on Thursday with the women's 4x100 preliminaries, as well as the women's hammer throw, featuring reigning SEC Champion Favian Cowards.
Another SEC Champion will get her chance to compete later on Thursday as R.ochelle Farquharson laces up for the long jump, along with her teammates Erica Bougard and Ebony Brinker.
Friday's competition will be highlighted by a few events where the Bulldogs find themselves among the top in the nation. First up will be Jarrett Samuels, who currently stands at No. 2 in the long jump. Following Samuels will be preliminary relay heats, which will feature the No. 6 ranked Maroon and White 4x100-meter squad, as well as the No. 2 ranked 4x400-meter quartet.
For more information on the Penn Relays, a full schedule of events and results, fans can visit www.thepennrelays.com.