Hoosiers head to Tyson Invitational

The IU men's track and field team looks to extend its success this weekend at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. After five consecutive home meets, the team takes to the road for the first time this year to battle some of the nation's top programs. \nThis year the Tyson Invitational boasts representatives from all over the country, including the University of Arkansas, Florida State University, Baylor University and Stanford University. \nDespite the imposing opposition, IU should not be lacking in confidence after last week's impressive showing at the Hoosier Relays. Last Saturday, IU earned seven first-place finishes in a contest that featured more than 1,000 of the nation's top athletes. Senior Marcus Aguilar strode to a first-place finish in the men's 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:58.15, while junior sensation David Neville grabbed first-place in the men's 600-meter with a mark of 46.69 seconds.\nLikewise, the jumpers performed exceptionally well, as junior Kiwon Lawson earned NCAA provisional honors in the men's long jump, leaping 7.5 meters. Later, freshman Jeff Coover asserted his pole-vaulting dominance, claiming the title for the fifth consecutive week with a mark of 5.1 meters.\nIf last year's showing at the Tyson Invite is any indication, the Hoosiers should match up well in this year's event. In the 2005 Tyson Invite, then-junior Stephen Haas set a school record and earned an NCAA-automatic bid in the men's 5,000-meter, running a personal best time of 13:41.42. An automatic bid guarantees a runner's eligibility in the NCAA championships. \nHaas, currently ranked seventh nationally in the 5,000-meter, will compete again in the event on Saturday. \nFor the season, three members of the men's track and field squad have met NCAA provisional marks. As opposed to an automatic mark in which an athlete is ensured a berth in the NCAA championships, a provisional mark signifies the athlete is placed in a pool of prospective qualifiers. Depending on the results added throughout the year, the athlete might not earn a bid. Neville and senior thrower Ryan Ketchum were joined last weekend in this echelon by Lawson in the long jump. \nJudging by last year's performance, at least one more NCAA provisional athlete is bound to emerge. The Hoosiers will have to wait until the weekend to find out who that honoree will be.