MSU Opens Indoor Track And Field Season In Birmingham

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Traveling east this weekend, a select group of the Mississippi State men's and women's track and field athletes seek to use Birmingham Southern's Panther Indoor Icebreaker as a beneficial warm-up to the season.

Approximately 20 Bulldogs will participate in the meet held at the Birmingham CrossPlex to gain some extra experience before the season rapidly picks up pace in January.

"This meet will be very beneficial," freshman Brandon McBride said. "It's going to give us a lot of feedback and show us where we are with fitness, as well as our strengths and weaknesses at this point."

MSU is taking advantage of every opportunity to qualify its athletes for nationals, held March 7-8 in Fayetteville.

"We are ready to get back in action," coach Steve Dudley said. "We want to start qualifying for nationals in the beginning, and the only way to do that is to get out there and compete."

Following this weekend's meet, the Bulldogs will move forward in competition and conquer the UAB Invitational hosted Jan. 10-11 in Birmingham.

"This should be a great experience," McBride said. "Competition is always fun."