Dec. 3, 2004

Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis men's and women's track teams will take the road to Jonesboro, Ark., Saturday, Dec. 4, for the ASU Kickoff Klassic. The meet, hosted by Arkansas State University, is the first event in the indoor season, and will mark the beginning of the 2004-05 season.

Saturday's meet will represent, not only an opening to the season, but a "measuring stick" for potential success and areas where improvement is needed.

The U of M squads include a number of athletes who are expected to figure prominently in scoring throughout the year. The women will likely be led by a strong group of jumpers, highlighted by defending Conference USA triple-jump champion, Lisa-Marie Hyman, while the men expect strong performances in a variety of events.

"They (the athletes) have been working hard all fall, and this will give them a chance to compete, and hopefully see that their work is paying off, which is what it is all about," said assistant coach Kevin Robinson.

With the ASU meet coming early in the season, several athletes, for training purposes, will be competing in events which likely will not be their best events later in the season. However, quality showings are anticipated from both returners and newcomers, and Coach Robinson expects several "pleasant surprises" from the athletes.

Other Division I teams featured in the ASU Kickoff Klassic will be Ole Miss, Southeast Missouri State, Arkansas-Little Rock, and Middle Tennessee, along with host Arkansas State. Competition in Jonesboro will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and is expected to conclude around 7 p.m.

The Kickoff Klassic will be the Tigers' lone meet prior to Christmas break, as the teams will resume the indoor schedule Jan. 21-22, 2005 at the Booster Invitational in Carbondale, Ill.