MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's and women's track and field teams continue the outdoor campaign with the coveted Drake Relays this Wednesday through Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa. Known as America's Athletic Classic, the meet is set to feature University and College heats of individual events, along with a plethora of relays on the Jim Duncan Track at historic Drake Stadium.
The Badgers head to Des Moines after a triple-competition weekend spread out over San Diego, California, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Stanford, California, but look to continue the momentum as they push towards the Big Ten Championship and beyond.
"Last weekend our goal was to get NCAA qualifying times, and we had some individuals step up to the plate and perform," UW Director of Track and Field
Mick Byrne said. "This weekend is a break from normal competition, as many of our sprinters and distance runners will focus on running relays."
Six individuals will compete for Wisconsin in four different disciplines over the course of the four-day meet.
The pair of Jake Wallenfang and Taylor Amann will tackle the men's and women's pole vault, respectively.
Wallenfang has led the men's side in the event this season, as the sophomore cleared a height of 16 feet, 6 3/4 inches at the Triton Invitational this past weekend. On the women's side, sophomore Amann has taken the reigns to dominate the vaulting event with a maximum clearance of 13-1 1/2 (4.00m) at the Triton Invitational as well.
On the track, the pair of Amy Davis and Sarah Heinemann will compete side-by-side in the 5000 meters. Davis has competed just once in the distance event this season, as she finished fifth at the Aztec Invitational with a time of 17 minutes, 4.91 seconds.
In addition,
Tyson Miehe make his 10,000 meters debut Thursday night during the Drake Relays Distance Carnival.
Closing out the individual track events for the Badgers will be Brenna Detra, who will take on the 400-meter hurdles. Detra leads the Badgers in the hurdle event after her winning time of 59.23 seconds at the Aztec Invitational.
Aside from individual events, the men's squad will appear in a total of six relays, including the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400, 4x1600, Sprint Medley Relay, and the Distance Medley Relay.
The women will represent Wisconsin in both the 4x1600 and Distance Medley Relay.
"I think that the Drake Relays has a great tradition," UW assistant coach
Kareem Jackson said. "The atmosphere, the fan support and the facility, all set up well for our athletes to have a very unique experience."
Competition at the Drake Relays is set to begin on Wednesday with the men's decathlon at 11:30 a.m. (CT). Women's events will begin an hour later with the heptathlon.
