Trojans Track & Field Head to Last Chance Meet Seeking National Marks

The Colby Trojans track and field teams are set for another big test Friday (May 8) as they travel to Manhattan, Kansas, for the annual Ward Haylett Invitational hosted by Kansas State Wildcats track and field at R.V. Christian Track Complex.

For the Trojans, the event presents another chance to chase national qualifying marks, improve regional standings, and continue building momentum following several strong performances throughout the outdoor campaign.

Field events are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. while running events get underway later in the afternoon following the national anthem at 5 p.m. The meet concludes with the 4x400-meter relays.

Colby enters the weekend coming off productive performances at the Region 6 Championships, where several athletes posted NJCAA qualifying marks, personal records, and top-10 program performances. The sprint group will once again look to build on recent momentum in the 100m, 200m, and 400m races, along with both relay events. 

In the field events, Colby athletes are expected to compete in the javelin, discus, shot put, hammer throw, and long jump. The Ward Haylett Invitational traditionally provides a highly competitive atmosphere and gives Trojan athletes one final opportunity to chase NJCAA national qualifying marks before next week's NJCAA Outdoor Championships. 

The meet schedule features a full day of competition beginning with early field events before transitioning into a packed evening on the track. Running finals will include the 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, steeplechase, and relay races.

With the national championships approaching quickly, every performance becomes increasingly important, and the Trojans will look to use the high-level competition in Manhattan as another step forward in preparation for the NJCAA Outdoor National Championships.

Competition begins Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in Manhattan with events continuing throughout the evening.