SPOKANE, Wash. - The Gonzaga women's and men's track teams travel back to the Dempsey Center for the University of Washington Invitational Friday and Saturday.

The UW Invitational has grown to be one the premier indoor meets on the west coast. The two-day meet has outstanding fields mixing many of the NCAA's best along with some of the best pro athletes in the world.

"UW Preview had good fields but the Washington Invitational is definitely more stacked," Director of Gonzaga's track program Pat Tyson said. "There will be entries from Brigham Young, Arizona, Boise State, Washington, Washington State, Air Force, Southern Utah, Lamar, Weber State, Seattle University, Portland State, Idaho, Saint Mary's, San Francisco, Portland and Eastern Washington.

"Add a few elite athletes from Nike and Bowerman Athletic Club and many very good Canadians, and there will definitely be some great races making for fast times. Whenever BYU shows up, you know the pace will be fast! The goal for many of these athletes is to get qualified for the NCAA Indoor and that is why so many good athletes are entered. The Zags are excited to get caught up in this venue."

After breaking his own school record in the 3,000 meters to open the season, Willie Milam returns to racing this weekend after a week off. Milam ran an 8:07.66 two weeks ago in the Dempsey Center at the UW Preview, and now he'll be racing in the men's invitational mile. The senior is joined by five other collegiate runners in a 14-person fourth heat. That final heat includes the fastest in the event, including Nike Oregon's Andrew Wheating.

"Willie wants a fast race," Tyson said. "We we're hoping he would get in the fast heat, and he did. Last year four guys broke four-minute miles. No pressure on Willie or anything, but our school record is at risk."

The Gonzaga women will have only three participants in the meet, but all are aiming for personal records. Emily Anderson will run in the 800 meters, while Amelia Evans and Shelby Mills race in the 3,000.

"We are looking for sharper performances and hoping for significant PR's," GU women's track Head Coach Patty Ley said. "We're hoping for good solid heats where they are competing and the time comes rather than having to push for the time. But they are ready for that as well. Amelia and Shelby have been training really well. Emily has been looking very strong. It is a bit of a risk to race her three weeks in a row, but after last week she really wanted another shot at the 800, and I am excited to see what she does. She is already significantly faster than at this point last year."

Anderson opened the season with a PR in the 600 meters at the UW Preview, before running a 2:20.09 in the 800 last week at the Idaho Collegiate. Mills crossed the line at 9:51.08 in the 3,000 at the UW Preview, while Evans ran a 9:53.66.

The Gonzaga men have several athletes in the 3,000, and the mile along with Milam.

"Brandon Pollard has been battling some flu and cold symptoms but had good workouts this week and he told me he is ready," Tyson said. "Brandon is the fastest freshmen miler in Gonzaga history. I believe all of our milers have the ability to get huge personal bests.

"The 3000 meters is loaded! Robert Walgren (8:20.31), Troy Fraley (8:21.77), Nick Roche (8:22.53), and Colin O'Neil (8:24.97) all are licking their chops to get in a race to break 8:20. Lastly, Andy Phillips has decided to run the 800 meters where he holds the Gonzaga indoor record (1:53.68) and outdoor record of (1:51.49). The field looks good and Andy wants to run fast."

The two-day UW Invitational is the second of three trips to the Dempsey for the Bulldogs this season. The meet begins with the women's 200 meters at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Dillon Quintana opens the meet for Gonzaga at 7:05 p.m., in the first heat of the men's 5,000 meters. Live video and results will be available on GoZags.com.

Gonzaga's Weekend Schedule
FRIDAY
* 7:05 p.m. - Men's 5,000 meters: Dillon Quintana (Heat 1), Nick Roche (Heat 2)
* 8:10 p.m. - Men's Distance Medley Relay: Graham Wendle/ Jerry Sicalo/ Mitchell Beard/ Kellen Manley (Heat 2)
SATURDAY
* 12:20 p.m. - Men's Mile: Ian Goldizen, Zac Garrard, Ned Fischer (Heat 1), Brandon Pollard (Heat 2)
* 1:45 p.m. - Women's 800 meters: Emily Anderson (Heat 1)
* 2:05 p.m. - Men's 800 meters: Andy Phillips (Heat 3)
* 2:20 p.m. - Women's 3,000 meters: Amelia Evans, Shelby Mills (Heat 1)
* 2:35 p.m. - Men's 3,000 meters: Colin O'Neil, Danny Lunder, Kyle Branch (Heat 1)
* 3:15 p.m. - Men's Invitational Mile: Willie Milam (Heat 4)
* 4:35 p.m. - Men's 3,000 meters: Troy Fraley, Robert Walgren (Heat 2)