NIU’s track and field team is staying home this weekend to host the Huskie Open at the Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

The open usually serves as the lone home meet for the Huskies, but this year NIU will also host the MAC Championships in May.

The meet kicks off Saturday with field events at 10 a.m. Track events follow at 11 a.m.

“This weekend we’re really happy to be able to compete in front of our family and friends and co-workers,” said head coach Connie Teaberry. “The girls are looking to get ready for the MAC Championships. Right now [we’re] trying to finalize some times to reach the national level.”

Being at home has one advantage, Teaberry said, though preparation is still challenging.

“Our particular track and soccer facility is a bit of wind tunnel,” Teaberry said. “Runners sometimes are not prepared for that. Especially distance races, our girls will have the advantage that we practice in it every day.”

Teaberry is optimistic that track records, and maybe even school records, will be broken on Saturday. The Huskies have been consistently toppling records in this year’s indoor and outdoor seasons. Teaberry noted redshirt senior Cora Caulfield, in particular, to possibly put new records in the books. Caulfield currently holds the longest discus throw for the school with 162-11, which she set on March 26.

Rasheta Butler has also found success in her senior season. Teaberry expects her to compete in breaking her own school record of 11.83 in the 100 meter dash, which she set a season ago. Butler’s name is also in the books as part of the 4×100 and 4×400 teams.

Having had the track for just two years, Teaberry said it is possible to see new records put up in many events.

“Our team is so stacked this year, and they’re really working hard and doing a great job,” Teaberry said. “There are so many in different areas that they’re viable to do great things this weekend in front of the crowd.”