Track preps for Big Ten championship

After seven meets this season, the IU women's track and field team will compete in the Big Ten Championships.\nThe Hoosiers, along with the rest of the 11-member conference, will compete on Saturday and Sunday in Madison, Wis. IU expects to see more fierce competition than it saw in its earliest meets, and looks to test themselves against the best in the Big Ten.\n"I think that the competition this year is the strongest it has been since I have been here," junior sprinter Stacey Clausing said. "There are a lot of strong teams that have a lot of depth." \nOne thing that the Hoosiers have been doing in practices this week is resting, hoping to give their bodies a break before the meet.\n"During the practices this week, we are really taking it easy so that our bodies are ready to compete at our top levels," freshman jumper Candace Perry said.\nThe physical aspect of running and participating in various competitions is what many see when they watch the meet or view the results. However, that is only the end result. Much of the conference championships will be just as much mental as it will be physical. The correct mindset, as well as astute physical attributes, is a must if an athlete is to be completely successful this weekend, senior Kelly Siefker said.\n"To be successful, we need to be confident, relaxed and determined," she said. "If we can go into this meet knowing we are capable of something great, we will do well and surprise some people in the process.\n"No excuses -- just play hard and beat people"