The last grain of sand in the hourglass will fall this weekend for the Ball State University track and field team to qualify for the NCAA provisionals.
Before time runs out, the Cardinals will travel to South Bend for the Alex Wilson Invitational for their last attempt to make time requirements for the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in College Station, Texas.
"There are four total competitions nationwide that are giving track and field athletes one more opportunity," Ball State track and field coach Randy Heisler said. "It's going to be very businesslike atmosphere. You could get a personal best at this meet but if you don't qualify it really doesn't matter."
The previous performance in which the Cardinals competed was this past weekend at the Mid-American Conference Championships. Ball State and Miami University tied with a tally of 73 points for third place.
"Typically, I'm not a big fan of last-chance qualifying meets," Heisler said. "The girls are peaked out from the conference championships. If you haven't met the time requirements already, it's tough."
Junior Ali Bishel was named the Women's Most Outstanding Track Performer and fifth-year senior Amber Williams was named the Most Valuable Performer at the conference meet. Bishel is projected to participate in the Alex Wilson Invitation for her final opportunity to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Williams is anticipated to not attend to better prepare herself for the championships in March.
"Ali would have to drop a lot of seconds off her original time, but it can be done," Heisler said.
Events begin at 5 p.m. Friday at the University of Notre Dame's Loftus Center and again at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
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