Track and field teams train for SWAC

It is bye week for Prairie View men track and field as they prepare for the SWAC Indoor Championship in Birmingham, Al.
 According to coach Christopher Clay, practice is intense and the determination in the players is fierce.
 “Our runners, throwers and jumpers are ready to go for the gold. All we can do is make our practice perfect as perfect practice makes a perfect performance,” said assistant Coach Fred Williams.
 Last year the Panthers placed second to Grambling in the indoor championship with a team score of 103 to the Grambling Tiger’s 129, where the jumping duo Pierre Shepherd and Preston Woodard, took home gold in their respective events.
 “We plan on coming on top this year with the team reaching their personal records and our coaches pushing us to our limits,” said Woodard, who is currently ranked number eight on the NCAA Division I indoor qualifying list.
 Freshman hurdler Xavier Morris said, “I have mixed emotions about SWAC. I am a little nervous and anxious about competing on a huge platform for the first time.” The intensity is high and their focus is sharp for the Bye Week, leaving it all on the track. Are we looking at the 2013 Indoor Track & Field Champions?
 “The team will do fine and give the conference a run for their money. I have full confidence my guys will compete to the best of their abilities,” said Clay.
The team will depart for SWAC Indoor Championship Feb. 16.