SAN FRANCISCO --- The San Francisco State women's track and field team is gearing up to host the Johnny Mathis Invitational this weekend, Friday and Sunday. Three hundred and forty-two male and female athletes will compete in the two-day meet from National Collegiate Athletic Association Div. I and II teams like Cal, University of San Francisco, Santa Clara, Cal State Stanislaus and NCAA Div. II Indoor Track and Field National Champion Academy of Art.

"Mathis is a meet everyone on our team looks forward to each year," said head coach Terry Burke. "For many of our athletes, it's the only opportunity to compete at home every year."

A total of 559 entries will compete in 38 events, including the Master's Mile--a mile race for athletes over the age of 40, including SF State Hall of Fame member Michael Fanelli--at Cox Stadium. The field events will commence the meet on Friday with the men's and women's hammer throw events, starting at 2:30 p.m. Saturday's field action will begin at 9 a.m. with the women's pole vault and events will run throughout the day. 

The Gator women come off a strong performance at the Sacramento State Hornet Invitational where Tiana Wills broke the school's high jump record by grabbing a 6-foot high jump mark (1.83meters), automatically qualifying her for the national championship meet, and Kaylie Belk finishing first in the 800m with a time of 2:13.54 to take first place and provisionally qualify for nationals.

"As a team, we're looking to build on some great performances from last week," said Burke. "This will also be the first time we will be competing in the relays outdoors and I know my athletes are looking forward to getting going."

Making the outdoor relay debut for the 4x100 race will be Janesha Anthony, Hilary King, Brionne Baucham and Stefeny Butler, while the 4x400 relay team is still to be announced by Coach Burke. 

Despite the mid-week dampness, the weekend's forecast is looking mostly sunny and in the low 60s--compared to last year's constant downpour.

"In contrast to last year, the weather forecast predicts great conditions and Cox Stadium is one of the best venues in Northern California," said Burke. "I expect Saturday will be a great meet."

Meet Info and Schedule of Events

Meet Program with Heat and Flight Assigments