Track and field will again compete in the South when they travel to Sea Ray Relays Thursday through Saturday.

Facing tough competition is quickly becoming a theme of NIU’s outdoor track and field season and the Sea Ray Relays, which are hosted by the University of Tennessee, will be no exception. Some of the teams slated to compete include the University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Middle Tennessee State and Indiana State University.

Head coach Connie Teaberry said she expects a lot from this weekend.

“We are excited to return to the Sea Ray Relays at the University of Tennessee,” Teaberry said in a news release. “Our staff is expecting the athletes to continue to focus, execute and complete. If we continue to see these characteristics from the athletes, then you know quality performances will be the result.”

This weekend’s meet in Tennessee is the start of the Huskies busiest stretch of competition during the outdoor season. Over the next two weeks NIU will send athletes to seven different competitions across the United States in preparation for the MAC championships in May.

Teaberry said just because this stretch of competition could help the Huskies gain more spots in the conference meet does not add to their importance.

“Crunch time should be every competition for the athletes,” Teaberry said in a news release. “One thing to remember about outdoor track and field is that good weather is not promised. Athletes must capitalize on every moment. If the athletes do not compete every competition with the same heart, drive and desire, they may miss their opportunity to have great performances. When you’re an athlete, no matter the sport or the level, there is no competition that’s perceived as an easy one if you are pushing yourself within.”

NIU is coming off last weekend’s third-place finish at the Chicagoland championships, where it scored a total of 83 team points. Three Huskies won their events at the Chicagoland meet. Junior Natalie Tarter won the heptathlon in record-breaking fashion. The transfer from the University of Wisconsin scored a school record 4,206 points in that seven-event competition.

Sophomore thrower Sidra Sherrill also won the shot put with a heave of 45-07.75. The third member of the trio of victorious Huskies last weekend was senior sprinter/hurdler Megan Gregory, who won the 100 meter hurdles running a season best time of 13.92.