Kittley Confident Going in to Big 12 Championship
February 20, 2006 | Track and Field
Feb. 20, 2006
by Brandon Hughes
With a look of confidence and a brand new 2005 Big 12 Championship ring on his finger to boot, Texas Tech track and field coach Wes Kittley said that his team is prepared for the Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championship held this weekend in Lincoln, Neb.
In order to get a matching ring for the other hand, Kittley said that his team needs to be ready and healthy. Kittley said he believes his team is up for the task at hand.
"We've been having four or five indoor meets" Kittley said, "and I think we've prepared ourselves about as well as we're going to prepare."
"We're trying to get a few people healthy, that way it always gives you a chance," Kittley said.
Leading up to this weekend's championship, Kittley said there are a few of his athletes that he has eye on to hopefully become a Big 12 champion.
On the women's side, Kittley said one of the best chances to win will come from the long jump in the form of Tori Polk. Having the third-best jump in the country right now, Kittley said Polk has already qualified for the NCAA Championships later this year.
"I really believe (she) has a great chance to be a Big 12 Champion," Kittley said. "She'll battle, I think, with Marshevet Hooker from the University of Texas who was the national champion last year."
Kittley added that Misty Coley and Lacy Wilson, both who compete in the high jump, also stand good chances to do well.
The men's track team, who is currently ranked 20th in the USTFCCCA poll, is also primed and ready for action.
Kittley said there are several players from the men's side who he looks to do well in the Cornhusker state this weekend.
Current Big 12 champion Andrae Williams, who runs the 600Y, and Kevin Chelimo, who will run the 3000M this weekend, both have great chances to win Kittley said.
Kittley said that he is looking forward to a possible great matchup between Zach Glavash, recent newcomer to the Tech track team, and current national champion from the University of Nebraska, Dmitrijs Milkevics, as they will compete in the 800M.
Kittley said he is looking to all of his players on both sides to either win or improve this weekend. One group he mentioned were the men's hurdlers.
"Any and all of them, Marlon Odom, Shawon Harris, and our new kid, Daryl Burgess, could battle," Kittley said. "It's just such a great group of hurdlers."
Kittley said this past week was full of preparation for the team.
"We were home the whole time, so we're really going to try to stay focused and get a good hard week in this week," Kittley said.
Kittley, huddled warmly inside his office away from the high wind and cool temperatures added, "We've had great weather so far, until today.
"I'm really hoping that's going to pay off for us."
Players Mentioned
