TicketsMarch 30, 2010
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's and women's track & field teams are just two weeks into its outdoor seasons, but in one month, Cincinnati will welcome 15 conference rivals to Clifton for the 2010 BIG EAST Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The 2010 BIG EAST Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held at the home of UC Track & Field, Gettler Stadium, April 30 through May 2.
"Hosting the BIG EAST Championships is an honor and our entire department has put forth a tremendous amount of effort to host this meet properly and pay tribute to this great conference," said men's track & field head coach Bill Schnier. "In addition, to have a meet of this magnitude at Gettler Stadium gives our team a real boost. We can't wait."
This will be the second time, since joining the BIG EAST Conference during the 2005-06 school year, that a conference championship event has been held at a Cincinnati facility, with Fifth Third Arena serving as host of the 2007 BIG EAST Volleyball Championship.
"Our team is extremely excited to host the Big East Championships at home," said women's track & field head coach Susan Seaton. "This will be one of the best track meets in the country and for sure a highlight for track & field fans in our area as well as the whole state of Ohio. We are looking forward to all of the support from our hometown fans and we will put on a show for all that come to watch."
Last season, the men's squad finished fourth at the conference championships, while the women's team placed sixth, and both teams look to improve upon last year's showing in front of the hometown crowd.
The Bearcats return two of the top athletes in the BIG EAST Conference in seniors Antione Drakeford and Jasmine Cotten. Drakeford is the UC record holder and was a 2009 All-American in the 400 meters, while Cotten was the 2009 BIG EAST Most Outstanding Field Performer during the indoor season and competed in both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships a season ago.
In just two weeks of outdoor competition, the BIG EAST has 11 male athletes and 15 female athletes that own Top 10 marks nationally in nine events. Included in that select group is Cincinnati sophomore Brian Zimmerman, whose javelin throw of 226' on March 20 ranks sixth in the country.
Admission to the BIG EAST Championship is free on Friday, April 30 for all spectators. On Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, admission each day will be $4 for adults, $2 for children (18 and under), and seniors. Students that currently attend one of the 16 BIG EAST Conference institutions will be admitted free with a valid Student ID.