The ASU track and field team will send eight men and four women to the Texas Relays today for one of the nation's premier meets.
"Going to Texas gives us an opportunity to see a couple of teams that we only see at nationals," ASU coach Greg Kraft said.
Kraft said his men's relay teams will get a chance to compete against Florida for the only time this season. Florida is ranked No. 1 nationally in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. ASU holds the No. 2 spot in both events.
At last year's NCAA Championships, ASU's 4x400m relay team finished second but was disqualified for a lane violation. Florida took first place.
"Last year, we were NCAA runners-up to them, and our whole 4x400m relay team is back," Kraft said.
This weekend, ASU's 4x400m relay team will consist of seniors Seth Amoo and Jason Barton, junior Lewis Banda and sophomore Domenik Peterson. Freshman Kelvin Love will serve as the alternate.
The Texas Relays will mark the first time in which ASU redshirt freshman thrower Jessica Pressley will participate in a championship atmosphere.
"Jessica Pressley has really come to the forefront the past two competitions," Kraft said. "She'll have a chance to see the girl from Miami [senior Kimberli Barrett] and the girl from Texas [sophomore Michelle Carter]. It will be interesting to see how the throwers respond to the weekend's competition."
Other ASU throwers expected to compete at the Texas Relays include senior Julia Pedersen and junior Jennifer Kowacz, both of whom have earned regional qualifications.
Reach the reporter at thomas.j.kelley@asu.edu.
