Eastern Ill., Tenn. State are meet favorites

Five-time defending men's champion Eastern Illinois and defending women's champion Tennessee State will be favored again in today's Ohio Valley Conference track and field championships, but neither will have the advantage Southeast has.

Being at home.

"Realistically, we aren't the favorites, but if everything falls right, we can challenge for both titles," Southeast coach Joey Haines said. "We always run well at home."

Southeast's men and women were both second last year. Both captured titles in 1995, the last time Southeast hosted the meet.

Southeast's defending meet champions include Courtney Haman (javelin), Jaret Willi (pole vault), Glenn Haley, (110-meter high hurdles, 400-meter intermediate hurdles), Jay Heddell (discus), Shelton Scott (triple jump) and Tyson Brown (800).

Several Southeast athletes enter the meet with OVC-leading times or distances.

Men's leaders include Haley (110 hurdles, 400 hurdles), Scott (long jump, triple jump), Heddell (shot put, discus), Willi (pole vault) and the 1,600 relay team.

Ranked first this season among Southeast's women are Haman (javelin) and Sara Kaznica (pole vault).

-- Marty Mishow