March 22, 2018
Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn track and field will head open the 2018 outdoor track and field season this weekend at the FSU Relays hosted by Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. The Auburn men open the outdoor season ranked No. 18 in the USTFCCCA preseason polls, while the women are ranked No. 33.
"We're looking forward to the meet this weekend," Auburn head coach Ralph Spry said. "It's the perfect meet for us to get the ball rolling outdoors. We want to break the ice and face some good competition to help us as we move forward during the outdoor season. The goal is the same (as indoors), we want to get better each week during the season.
Auburn is one of seven teams competing this weekend alongside fellow SEC competitor Florida. The field is rounded out by host Florida State, Georgia Tech, Southern Mississippi, Dartmouth and Liberty.
The Tigers are coming off a successful indoor season where the men finished eighth overall and the women 20th at the NCAA Indoor Championships two weeks ago.
Auburn heads into this weekend looking for a strong outing to kick start the outdoor campaign and continue the success from the indoor season. A total of 22 men and 24 women will compete at the FSU Relays.
"We have a lot of people that haven't competed because they specialize in outdoor events, such as the javelin and hammer, so this will be an opportunity for them to get going," Spry said. "There is some good competition and good weather is forecasted, so it will be a great way to kick off the outdoor season."
The meet will begin in the field on Friday, March 23 at 9 a.m. EST with the men's and women's hammer throw. Track events kick off Friday at 1:30 p.m. EST with the men's 110m hurdles.