By Steve Holt, Copy Editor

The 48-time national champion men’s track and field team, along with the equally decorated women’s team, will compete in the first of two home meets Saturday at Elmer Gray Stadium. The Oliver Jackson University Open, named after the legendary Wildcat track and field coach from 1948-63, will begin at 1 p.m. and will feature four teams besides ACU.

Fort Hays State (Kan.), Pittsburgh State (Kan.), McMurry University and the women’s team from Odessa College will join ACU in the first track and field action of the outdoor season.

Coach Jon Murray said his goal is simple for the first meet.

“Let’s have some fun,” Murray said. “It’s just a low-key introduction to the outdoor season. We’ll look for good weather.”

On Saturday, the men’s team won its ninth national indoor title and 48th Wildcat team track and field championship. The women’s team placed second, upping the total to 27 times the women’s team has placed either first or second at nationals since NCAA Division II women’s track and field was introduced in 1985.

Virtually every ACU men’s and women’s athlete will participate in Saturday’s meet, in a season that has seen very few injuries.

Murray said he limited the field of teams this year because “last year was just too much.” He encouraged track and field fans as well as the common person to attend Saturday’s meet.

“This is one of a couple of opportunities to see the national championship track team,” Murray said.