Feb. 29, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The 2008 WAC Indoor Track & Field Championships have begun. Eight women's teams and four men's teams jumped out of the blocks Thursday with the multi-events. Individual events begin today and run through Saturday on Jackson's Track in Nampa, Idaho.

According Fresno State assistant coach Chris Baptista this year's conference race will be a battle.

"We've done the math, and this year there are only about 30 points that should separate first place through seventh," he said. "And we are definitely right in there."

The team finished in ninth at the event last season, notching 30 points. This season, the Bulldogs are shooting much higher.

"We want to go in there and show them what Fresno State is about," said assistant coach Ramona Pagel. "We're setting the tone for ourselves and the outdoor season."

Two Bulldogs, Vanessa Sautebin and Erica Embry, competed in the pentathlon Thursday. The two excelled in specific events, but fell short of the podium and team points.

With solid performances at the Air Force Invitational and the NAU Four-Way Challenge, the 28 Fresno State student-athletes are ready to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Competition for the women restarts at 4:30 p.m. with the field events. Running events will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to follow the competition live.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State men's and women's track teams will compete in the WAC Indoor Track Championships in Boise, Idaho February 28 and March 1.