Hoosiers test new track surface with Invitational

The E.C. “Billy” Hayes Track  will play host Friday to the annual track and field Billy Hayes Invitational.

But, this year, the track will have a far different feel — literally.

The invitational will be the first event on the newly resurfaced track. The track was redone as part of the renovations of the Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex.

It will also be the first time the Hoosier runners will get a chance to compete on the new track, which is made of Polytan. The scientifically advanced substance is designed not only for durability, but for speed and performance as well.

The track is one of the first made of Polytan in the western hemisphere. Polytan surfaces currently cover several tracks that have hosted world events, including the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin.

IU coach Ron Helmer is excited to see the performances at this weekend’s meet, which will be the Hoosiers’ last before they host the Big Ten Championships on May 14.

Helmer said the stage is set for some of the team’s best athletes, like senior Molly Beckwith, to put up big numbers with the renovated facility in place.

Last year, several athletes excelled at the Billy Hayes Invitational. Both Beckwith and then-senior Tiffany Howard earned USA Track and Field “A” Qualifying marks, while senior Vera Neuenswander broke the pole vault record for the complex. Sophomore Derek Drouin, then-senior Paul Fearnow, senior Will Glover, freshman Andy Bayer and senior Ashley Rhoades all had regional qualifying performances.

“You’re gonna see good pole vaults, good high jumps, and hopefully our sprinters will show the speed of the track,” Helmer said.

“It’s a chance for us at the end of finals week to tune up for the Big Tens and at the same time a chance for our better athletes to put big marks on the board.”