By Steve Holt, Sports Writer

For the ACU women’s track and field team, this weekend’s Lone Star Conference Champ-ionships in San Angelo mean revenge. One year ago, the Rambelles of Angelo State broke a 21-year ACU winning streak, edging out the Wildcat women by one point.

The ACU women have returned to the top of Division II this season, however, and likely will be the team to beat Friday and Saturday. The men’s team will be competing for its 12th straight LSC title after winning the 2004 title by a hefty 48 points.

Coach Jon Murray said his teams, both of which will be top contenders for Division II national titles May 26-28, do not take the conference meet lightly.

“We are always wanting to win the LSC meet,” said Murray, who has been a part of 23 men’s or women’s conference titles while a coach at ACU. “It is one of the steps in our success but not the total success of our season. It is just part of the big picture for us. Our athletes have great pride and will show a great competitive spirit this weekend, and I anticipate them being successful.”

Led by one of the best middle and long-distance squads in the nation, the ACU men should have no trouble claiming another title. Their closest competition likely will be Angelo State again, and Texas A&M-Kingsville, Tarleton State, and Texas A&M-Commerce also will be fighting for top-five finishes.

In the women’s competition, Angelo State has the home track advantage and will push ACU, but Texas A&M-Kingsville, Tarleton State, and Texas A&M-Commerce will be vying for points in every event.

Murray said nearly every ACU athlete will compete in the meet, which will begin at 9:15 a.m. Friday at Javelina Stadium in San Angelo.

“The only reason someone would not compete is because they are hurt,” Murray said. “We have a few who have a few bruises, but I anticipate everyone competing.”