Men Make Good on Final Weekend

PROVO -- The BYU men's track team made good on a final week of competition before the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships by setting a couple of school records and moving up in the national power rankings.

At Notre Dame, the distance medley relay team of Lars Kjerengtroen, David Chesser, Jason Dorais and Bryan Lindsay set a Mountain West Conference all-time record on Friday, beating the mark by just less than a second. The foursome's mark of 9:33.70 was also a school record.

The relay team just barely missed an NCAA automatic qualifying time, but find themselves fourth in the rankings, virtually guaranteeing a chance to compete in nationals.

"The guys had an incredible day," BYU men's track coach Mark Robison said. "We should be two or three in the power rankings."

With the great day the Cougars had, they will send 11 to 13 athletes from the men's team to the NCAAs next week.

"We've had a great year so far," Robison said. "We'll send the biggest group we've ever sent to nationals."

Continuing the great week for the Cougars was thrower, Leif Arrhenius. Arrhenius set a school record in the weight throw with a toss of 68 feet 9.75 inches. He just barely missed an NCAA automatic qualifying mark.

Distance runners Dustin Bybee (3,000 meters), Nathan Robison and Josh McAdams all ran well this weekend as they prepare for NCAA competition.

Final declarations for nationals are Monday, so by Tuesday morning the Cougars will know exactly who on the team will be headed to Arkansas to compete in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship.