Long Beach State University Athletics
Big West Challenge Up Next For Track
4/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
April 10, 2008
Long Beach, Calif. - Long Beach State turns a corner this weekend competing in their first scored meet of the season against Cal State Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara and host UC Irvine on Friday. A full competition, the meet has in the past given a sneak preview of where teams stand for the Big West Championships later in the season.
A meeting of four Big West schools dating back to 1993, the Big West Challenge offers an opportunity for teams to get an early measure on each other as well as continue to place members in the "qualified" pile for the Big West Championship. For many teams, including the 49ers this year, this will be the first fully scored meet they will participate in, offering new opportunities for teams moving forward.
For Long Beach State, the event has provided many top marks over the years, and will likely do so again as the Beach looks to increase on their totals of 23 men's and 22 women's athletes qualified for the Big West Championships, along with their four women's and five NCAA qualifiers.
The 49ers are in the mix to win both titles, matching up well in a very even men's competition while battling with Cal State Fullerton for the top spot in the women's side. Both teams with a victory would take home the challenge cup, a traveling trophy awarded annually to the winner of this event.
The Big West Challenge kicks off a big stretch of competitions for Long Beach State. After this weekend, the 49ers host their lone home event of the year, the Beach Invitational at Cerritos College, and will also send a detachment of athletes to participate in the Mt. SAC relays across town.
