If you start hearing mysterious music Saturday, don't worry, you're probably not insane. The sounds could very well be coming from Michigan State's outdoor track, where the Michigan women's track team will be playing a version of musical chairs all day long.
The Wolverines are shuffling their traveling lineup for the Michigan State Invitational. Many of Michigan's regulars will not be making the trip, and those who do may find themselves competing in different events than usual.
The reason for the midseason change is two-fold, according to Michigan coach James Henry.
"Our overall goal had been to get in three good competitions," Henry said,. "then get a week off of rest for our top kids so they can study, get their exams and final papers in, and head out to the Penn Relays."
"It also gives the opportunity for some of our kids who haven't traveled to show they're a part of this squad and possibly make the top-28 traveling squad."
Most of Michigan's premier distance and mid-distance runners will not make the trip to East Lansing. Despite the cold and rain, many of them recorded personal bests at last weekend's Duke Invitational and will use this weekend to recover.
Many of the sprinters may still be making the trip, however. Henry said he is concerned that bad weather conditions have hindered the progress of many Wolverines, and hopes Michigan State will provide some decent conditions.
The weather "has put a stymie on things," Henry said. "I'm a little antsy. They will more than likely not live up to what they are capable of doing this weekend, because it doesn't look like the weather's going to get into the 60s."
Two of the few top-notch Wolverines who will brave the East Lansing skies Saturday are sophomore high jumper Nicole Forrester and junior heptathlete Tania Longe.
Forrester will not compete in poor conditions but said she hopes to have another shot at qualifying for the NCAAs.
"I have to go," Forrester said. "I want to go because I haven't qualified yet. If I can get good weather this weekend, it will help. I need to jump at least 5-foot-10, but I'd be more satisfied if I could pull a 6, because then I wouldn't have to worry if I would get (the bid) or not."
Although Longe will also be competing this weekend, she won't be participating in her usual events, which include the triple jump, long jump and 100-meter hurdles. Instead, Henry has decided to give her a taste of something new. Longe will run in the 100 and 200 dashes and maybe even the 4 X 100 relay.
While others may be having problems because of the weather, Longe said her level of performance is ahead of schedule.
"I didn't run this fast until the end of the season, last year," Longe said. "So I should be ahead of myself and running faster, hopefully, later during the season. But you never know what will happen or how anything will work out."
Although they risk being overshadowed by the few star Wolverines who will be making the trip, the other less-experienced Wolverines will have a rare opportunity to compete.
"I know they're interested in running," Henry said. "For the outdoor season, we start off out of the blocks going down south, and only our top kids are able to go. We're hoping the weather will be good enough for (the others) to show that they can make our team more competitive and balanced."
FILE PHOTO/Daily
At this weekend's Michigan State Invitational, the Michigan women's track team will be resting some of its stars. Less-experienced runners will be given a chance to compete.