Men’s and women’s track will compete in the annual Victor Lopez Classic.

The Classic will take place Saturday and Sunday at Rice with 19 freshmen competing for the men and 10 for the women.

“When everybody’s healthy and running the race correctly, how they were taught to do it, that’s how we’re going to be successful.” said freshman sprinter Leshon Collins.

The men’s team has faced a significant amount of injuries, and it’s important for them to remain healthy and excel to adequately prepare for Texas Relays next week, Collins said. Head coach Leroy Burrell said the men have adjusted rather well and have indoor experience that has prepared them for the season but the women’s team still has work to do.

“The women, we have a little bit more work to do there. We expect a bit more out of a few of the younger women,” Burrell said. “The women — that group is really more locally based or kids who are from the South who just didn’t have that type of experience of competing indoors.”

This will be Collins’ first outdoor track event of the season despite having competed individually in NCAA nationals two weeks ago. Collins said his strengths will be evident in the 100-meter dash; he has been recovering from a right hamstring strain and but is ready to begin accomplishing goals.

“I’m anxious to start doing the 100-meter because I’ve seen so many fast times already, so I want to get out there and be one of the top people, so I can keep it going throughout the season. I don’t want to run a slow time and then can’t go faster. I’m from Pennsylvania, so I just want us to be 100 percent. I just want to show off in front of my family and friends, also. So, I just want us (my team) to be good (before Texas Relays), if we’re not already,” Collins said.

With what Burrell said has been a really solid senior class — having won multiple championships — has poised them to continually lead their new teammates. They’ve set an example of what to follow and the outdoor season will prove that they’re talented as well.

“Oh, there’s no doubt that they’re a strong enough group that by the time they’re juniors and seniors, that they’ll be a real big factor. They can be a real big factor in the NCAA. But you just have to remember that they’re freshmen, this is college track, almost on a weekly basis there’s a new experience for them,” Burrell said.

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