Nierman, track team prepare for rival

While the men’s and women’s track squads may not find much excitement during the indoor season, they will Saturday when the Purdue Boilermakers roll into Bloomington for a dual-meet showdown.

”The athletes on both squads certainly have a high level of excitement for this meet,” IU Coach Ron Helmer said. “The meet may not have the same superficial meaning as, say, basketball or football, but the meaning is fairly genuine.”

Because this particular dual-meet isn’t a true conference meet, Crimson points can’t be earned by either school, but that doesn’t take away from the excitement and buildup surrounding the meet.

“I expect for there to be a fairly large crowd on hand, which will make the meet itself even more special for the athletes participating,” Helmer said.

The keys to victory against Purdue for the men’s squad are relatively straightforward,
Helmer said.

“On the men’s side, we’re a pretty strong team across the board, with the distance and middle distance events being our strongest,” Helmer said. “They’ll make the difference on Saturday. The sprints should have a similar impact.”

Three-thousand meter specialist and sophomore Robbie Nierman, who was last week’s Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week, will look to build upon his nation-leading time in his main event against the Boilermakers.

Nierman was quick to admit that he could improve as a runner.

“I was surprised and excited when I heard about the honor,” Nierman said. “It’s funny because my time (8:17.89) in the 3,000 would be strong for most programs, but it’s mediocre here because the older guys have clocked in at around 8:05.”

While Purdue might not be as strong in the distance and sprint events on both sides, the field events have a chance to be the Boilermakers’ equalizer.

For the Hoosiers to develop consistency in each of the three segments of the sport (distance, sprints and field events), a few things need to be taken care of, Helmer said.

“Our athletes have to establish a new routine now that they’re back from winter break,” Helmer said. “Academics, especially required courses, need to be completed for some of our athletes so that theirschedules can accommodate practices and training. 

“They also need to get back in the weight room, begin re-training and get settled in. It’s a simple process once the structure is there.”

Nierman said he has settled in and is locked in on Saturday’s showdown.

“I want to come out here on Saturday and dominate them,” Nierman said.