The LSU track and field team faces their third straight week of stiff competition as they travel to Fayetteville, Ark., for the Tyson Invitational this weekend.
The No. 3 Tigers have faced quality competition in their past two meets, the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville and the New Balance Invitational in New York. After the meets, coach Dennis Shaver said he isn’t worried about a letdown this weekend.
“These are the kind of competitions that I think it’s easier for them to stay focused,” Shaver said. “It’s good NCAA and Southeastern Conference caliber it.”
Forbes vaulted himself into NCAA title conversation in his signature events, getting the second farthest long jump in the country and the No. 9 farthest in the triple jump.
Shaver added that while senior Michael Lauro is not competing every week, he’s still crucial to the Tiger’s field success in the weight throw. He added that junior Caleb Williams will continue to lead the Tigers on the track, specializing in the 400-meter dash.
“We’re looking for everyone to become a little more technically sound and a little more confident,” Shaver said.
The No. 2 Lady Tigers will look to build upon their early season success, in particular with their standout sprinters. Senior Rebecca Alexander will enter the meet as the No. 2-ranked athlete in both the 200 and 400-meter dash, looking to post NCAA qualifying times in both events.
Shaver said the women’s team will look to “big hitters” juniors Charlene Lipsey and Kimberlyn Duncan as they progress into the postseason.
“You have to have [Duncan and Lipsey] to make a run at a national title,” Shaver said.
The Lady Tigers will be led in the field by emerging sophomore Denise Hinton, who will look to carry her momentum from last week in the weight throw. She broke her own school record at the New Balance Invitational by six inches, and owns the No. 14 best throw in the nation.
Shaver added that while the team’s previous two meets were challenging, the Tyson Invitational may be the toughest of the three.
“If we can continue to show gradual improvements at this meet and carry that on into the SEC meet, that can bode well for both teams,” Shaver said.
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