Bulldogs Head To Kibbie Dome To Escape Frigid Weather
2/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
SPOKANE, Wash. — The primary purpose of Gonzaga's indoor track program is to bridge the gap between the cross country and outdoor seasons, ensuring GU runners reach their peak at just the right time. But as the Bulldogs have discovered this week, it's also to escape the sometimes unforgiving elements.
The bitterly cold temperatures that have badgered the Inland Northwest recently won't bother the Bulldogs when they compete in the Vandal Indoor. The meet, the penultimate competition of Gonzaga's indoor season, starts Friday at 11 a.m. in the temperature-controlled confines of the University of Idaho's Kibbie Dome.
"With the cold and ice we're facing, it's not like we can get out there and do a lot of quality work," said Pat Tyson, head men's coach and program director.
Added women's coach Patty Ley: "It has been a pretty rotten week in terms of training, so it's a chance to really get the wheels turning and get ready for the Husky Classic next week."
The Bulldogs truly are treating the Vandal Indoor almost like a training session. The 4x800 relay, for instance, will feature five Gonzaga teams, including three in the men's competition.
"We're just putting these teams together for a little workout," Tyson said. "We wanted these kids to have a chance to do something before we head off to UW next week."
In addition to the relay teams, Gonzaga will also feature entrants in the men's mile and 800 meters. The GU women, meanwhile, will place runners in the mile as well as the 800 and 300 meters. Friday will mark the first time a Zag has competed in the 300 this season. One of the entrants is Jordan McCann, who holds the school's indoor record in both the 600 and 800 meters.
"Developmentally, it's a great distance right now because you have to cut loose, you can't hold back," Ley said. "Things happen much faster and you have to respond a little bit sooner."
Following the Vandal Indoor, the Bulldogs will close out the indoor season by competing in the Husky Classic in Seattle. They will then have a month break before starting the outdoor portion of their schedule.
