November 30, 2007

First NCAA Track and Field Meet Scheduled for MSUB
   Men's Roster
   Women's Roster
   Indoor Schedule
   Outdoor Schedule

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State Billings men’s and women’s track and field program is set to compete in its first ever NCAA competition Tuesday, December 4th at the Black Hills State Fall Classic.  MSUB sponsored track and field in the 1960’s and 1970’s when the Yellowjacket Athletic program was members of the NAIA.

“We have a small squad this first year and won’t be able to field all events,” said head coach Dave Coppock.  “We do, however, have a good core group of sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and distance runners.  They’ve been working hard this fall getting into condition and forming a team from the ground up.”

All MSU Billings track and field athletes will immediately be eligible to compete for the indoor track and field Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships held Monday, Feb. 18th in Nampa, Idaho.  The championships will be hosted by Northwest Nazarene University.

“Our throwers are developing really well just as the sprinters and jumpers have been progressing and getting used to the daily training,” added Coppock.  Our main focus this year is to get people qualified for the GNAC Championships, both indoors and outdoors.  I am especially pleased with Nathan Diede (Richie) who should lead us in the sprints.  Kyle Richards (Harrison) and Lexi Halvorson (Billings) look to be our top throwers on the men’s and women’s sides.”

The Yellowjackets will compete in the outdoor track and field season as well beginning March 22, 2008 and will culminate at the outdoor GNAC Championships May 2-3 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash.

“I’m really please and especially proud of the team we have to launch this very first NCAA season,” added Coppock.  “They’re all Montana kids with the exception of two who are from Powell, Wyo.  I take a huge amount of pride in the fact that we can pull a team together from around the state and head into the type of national caliber competition we’ll be facing.”