The most skilled and well-trained athletes at Eastern Illinois University: present.

Defending men’s and women’s Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Champions: present.

You: Well, you too should be present.

This Friday will be the last time this season to see the men’s and women’s indoor track team as they host the EIU Friday Night special this Friday at Lantz Fieldhouse. This is the final meet for both teams before they head down to Nashville, Tenn. to compete in the OVC Indoor Championships.

If you have never been to a track meet, there is one word to describe them: busy.

From your seat overlooking the floor, four events may be going on at one time.

And while you might not know where to look at all times, there is always something exciting to watch.

Between competitive races around the track, you can watch the skill of the shot putters or the airborne acrobatics of pole-vaulters.

As you wait for a high jumper to start his or her approach, look beyond and watch the triple jumpers propel themselves through the air and land into the sand pit.

There is nothing more exciting than the starting gun going off and seeing the hurdlers jumping on the way to the finish line.

Now, I do not expect students to sit around for seven hours, but if you come sit down for an hour or so, I am sure you will be entertained.

The men’s program is one of the most successful in the school, with seven-straight OVC Indoor track championships, so you should go out and show support. The women won the first indoor title last season.

Plus, the meet only lasts until 9 p.m. so there is plenty of time to go out and party afterwards.

Dan Cusack can be reached at 581-7944 or at dscusack@eiu.edu.