Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Margaret Simmons Invitational
Racer Track Hosts Margaret Simmons Invitational
4/3/2014 9:02:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
For the second consecutive year, Murray State's track team will host the Margaret Simmons Invitational. This year's event will take place Friday, April 4 with the field events opening the day at 11 a.m. and the running events following at 2 p.m. Admission is free to the public.
This will be just the third outdoor meet for the Racers in the 2014 season after finishing in second place at the OVC Outdoor Championships in 2013. There have already been a number of highlights for the Racers on the young season however, including junior Tonia Pratt setting school records in the hammer throw and shot put. Brittany Bohn has also set a school record in the 2,000m steeplechase and will be competing in the 3,000m steeple, Friday. Pratt will be competing in the hammer throw and discus.
Joining the Racers at Marshall Gage Track will be OVC rivals Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech as well as Alabama A&M, Bethel (Tenn.), Tennessee Temple and Lane College.
In addition to the teams competing, Margaret Simmons, whom the meet derives its name, will be in attendance. Simmons is one of the most decorated coaches in MSU history. She coached the Racers men's and women's teams in parts of four decades from 1968-1991. She was a six time OVC Coach of the Year while guiding the Racers to eight OVC championships. Simmons was also the Assistant Athletic Director for MSU from 1988-2004 and was elected to the US Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame in 2003.
This is the first of two home meets for MSU. The Racers will also host the annual Battle of the Cumberland tri-meet with Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech Tuesday, April 22.
