Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks ready to battle it out with Lafayette
4/1/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field, Track and Field, Women's Track and Field
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After a busy first weekend to the outdoor season, the Lehigh track and field teams will now turn their attention to archrival Lafayette. The Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry heads outdoors as the Leopards will host the Mountain Hawks Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in Easton.
Lehigh will be looking to close out the 2009-10 cross country/track and field series strong by coming away victorious on both sides this weekend. The Mountain Hawks only loss this year came in the indoor meeting where the Lafayette men were able to barely edge out the Lehigh men.
“The indoor meet is usually a good indicator of how the outdoor meet will play out, but there are a few additional events that will have a big impact,” head coach Matt Utesch said. “One of the events added is the javelin and even though Lafayette has a strong thrower we have two.”
The Mountain Hawks will rely on freshman Kevin Steimle and senior James Pachucki, who finished first and second, respectively in the javelin at the Winthrop Invite. Other big events on the men’s side that Utesch said to keep an eye on are: the steeplechase, 4x100 meter relay, the distance events and the 400 meter hurdles.
On the women’s side Utesch is confident heading into the meet. “We beat them easily in the indoor meet, but that doesn’t mean anything this weekend. It’s all about strength and with the addition of the new events we’re in good shape for Saturday.”
Some of the new events Utesch said to keep an eye in the women’s meet are: 400 hurdles, hammer throw, 4x100 and the steeplechase.
The Leopards will be opening up their new track on Saturday, which provides the Mountain Hawks with even more motivation to come out strong.
“The men’s team wants to rebound from the indoor meet and the fact that Lafayette is opening its new track should really motivate both teams,” Utesch said. “It would be spectacular to win on both sides on their new track. It would definitely send a message.”
The rivalry will get underway Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in Easton. Make sure to check back to Lehighsports.com on Saturday night for full results of the meet.
Lehigh Track and Field vs. Lafayette Preview
