KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan track and field team heads back to the University of Notre Dame this weekend for the famed Meyo Invitational on Friday and Saturday at the Loftus Sports Center.
Friday's action consists of the long jump, weight throw, and high jump for the field events. The preliminary rounds of the 60-meter hurdles and 60-meter dash, along with the finals in the 5,000-meter run, distance medley relay, 600-meter run, and 200-meter dash also take place in the evening.
The Broncos are halfway through the short indoor season and head coach Kelly Lycan is pleased with what he sees.
"I think we are getting there," Lycan said. "There's always a magic moment that happens when we get out of January and get into February. It seems like it takes a while to shake out the cobwebs of Christmas break in January and I think we are getting ready to do some good things out there."
One particular group that has stood out has been the 200-meter dash group featuring juniors Sarita Dotson and Naiomi Dulaney.
"Last year they would have had breakout years but got derailed by hamstring issues at inappropriate times," said Lycan of Dotson and Dulaney. "They both had a really good fall and, so far, Sarita is off to one of the best starts we have had for a 200 runner. I think both her and Naiomi are capable of making a run at Iris Campbell's school record."
Dotson has come closest to the program record, moving up to third all-time on the WMU performance list after running a time of 24.55 seconds at the Notre Dame Invitational. Campbell's record time of 24.17 set back in 2013 remains for the time being.
Two middle distance specialists in Jordan Anderson are also experiencing career-best seasons. Gilbert has excelled in the mile run and the 3,000-meter run, while Anderson has been the top 800-meter runner for the Broncos since last season.
"With Claire and Jordan, they were plagued by injuries early in their career, it's really gratifying to see them show what they can do," Lycan added. "Those two have had to bite the bullet and deal with all the emotion of knowing that you're good but the injuries have been keeping you back, and it's been really fun to watch them both have really good seasons so far."
Next week the Broncos split up and head to the Grand Valley State Invitational and the Samford Invitational in Birmingham, Al.
