Outdoor Track Returns to RPI

ALBANY, N.Y. – While a contingent of their teammates are competing in Philadelphia at the Penn Relays, the University at Albany outdoor track athletes who remained home will return to RPI for the second time in three weeks to compete in the Capital District Classic, to get their own prep work in for next week’s conference championships.

“The athletes are mostly running in off events this weekend,” said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Roberto Vives.  “Most will only be competing in one event.  It’s about sharpening now, not overloading.”

To Coach Vives’ point, UAlbany will not be running any relays at RPI this weekend, allowing the athletes to focus on their individual events.

“At this point, it’s more about mental preparation than physical preparation.  The meet this weekend will hopefully serve as a confidence builder.  The times should be coming, when we need them to next week and beyond.  So we want everyone to perform well this weekend, but we’re not necessarily looking for them to peak quite yet.”

The focus on off events will help the coaching staff determine which athletes are available for multiple events for next week’s conference championships, and where the team may have opportunities to use its depth to score additional points.

After the meets this weekend, the team will reconvene for one final week of training before championship season begins.  The America East Outdoor Championships kick off at Vermont on Saturday, May 3 and continue through Sunday, May 4.