The ISU men’s track and field team is prepared to hit the road this weekend for Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Neb.

The majority of athletes who are making the trip will be middle to short distant runners, along with some field athletes as well. The meet will feature many powerhouse teams like Auburn, Iowa, Kansas State and USC.

“I’m not too worried about who we are running against, it is all about working and being competitive every day,” said ISU assistant coach Glenn Smith.

The team has been training on a relatively short break after its home meet last weekend.

“I’m very pleased with the workouts we have had,” Smith said. “I’m excited to see the guys go out there and improve from last weekend.”

One athlete who is anxious to get his first road trip of the season behind him is sophomore sprinter Jared Ingram. Ingram said he has been constantly working on his block starts to get his 60-meter dash time as low as possible.

“I feel a lot more fresh this season and I think it’s due to the changed training that is focused on strength and speed,” Ingram said. “Going into every weekend I feel like I am prepared to reach my goals or surpass them.”

The athletes are attesting this preparation to Smith’s coaching style. Junior sprinter Ivan Tamba believes this year’s team, with a new coaching staff, “has more focus and a stronger will to win by wanting to improve week by week.”

Ingram added that it is Smith’s “laid back personality” that is improving the sprinters.

“We come to practice everyday and coach adds no pressure,” Ingram said. “It’s all about improving and he has gotten us ready to go.”

Another possible ingredient to the two sprinters success will be the music they listen to during their meets. Ingram enjoys a little Gucci Mane before races where Tamba goes with dance hall music.

“Dance hall music relaxes me before my races,” Tamba said. “Also, it reminds me of where I come from. I was born in Africa and the music allows me to be loose.”

Between the music, the preparation from workouts and superstitions like Ingram always wearing the same socks, the ISU sprinters feel prepared for their trip to Nebraska.

“We’re having fun this year, and we’re loose,” Tamba said. “This weekend we will keep building and hopefully set some [personal records]. We’re ready.”