Jan. 10, 2008

BEMIDJI, Minn. - The Bemidji State University men's and women's track and field teams return to the track to ring in the new year Saturday by hosting the sixth annual Alumni Track Meet at the Gillette Recreation and Fitness Center.

Several former members of the BSU track and field teams will be in attendance for the event including former All-Americans Dan Frette (2001) and Steve Taflin (1978); past Beaver Pride Student-Athletes of the Year Christa Pribula (2006) and Caesare Stimson (2004) in addition to many others. One of the highlights of the event may be the throwing competitions. In addition to BSU current tandem of All-American shot putters in Sheena Devine and Joe Remitz, a host of former throwers will be in attendance to match their skills against perennial national championship contenders. The event will also feature a special appearance by Bemidji State's own Bucky the Beaver.

Field events will begin at 3 p.m. in the center of the track while the gun will also sound 3 p.m. to signify the start of the mile run with the rest of the running events to follow.

At 3:40 p.m. all eyes will turn to BSU Mascot Bucky the Beavers who is scheduled to race any of the children in attendance.

The final event of the day, the 4x400-meter relay, is set to begin at 5:15 p.m. with the awards ceremony to follow at approximately 5:45 p.m.

The day will conclude with a 7 p.m. dinner at Walnut Hall. Cost for dinner is $10.

In excess of the 30 alumni will battle current BSU freshmen and a team of upper classmen in a triangular format. 'The Old Moldy Green' team will be given time handicaps for the number of years in which they have been away from collegiate competition. Former athletes will also get bonus points for wearing old track and field uniforms, sweats or letter jackets.

The following is a schedule of events for the meet:

Track & Field Alumni meet
Time Schedule: January 12, 2007

3:00 Long Jump, High Jump, Weight, Pole Vault (M & W together)
Shot & Triple Jump to follow the above.
3:00 Mile run W – M
3:20 55-meter Hurdles W – M
3:30 55-meter Dash W – M
3:40 Kids take on Bucky the Beavers
3:45 400-meter Dash W – M
4:00 800-meter Run W – M
4:20 200-meter Dash W – M
4:40 3000-meter run W – M
5:15 4 X 400-meter relay W – M
5:45 Awards
7:00 Supper (Roast, Stories, Memories) Walnut Hall $10

Bemidji State teams will get back to their 2008 indoor track and field season Jan. 18-19 when the Beavers host BSU Multi and Super 8 Open at the Gillette Recreation and Fitness Center.

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