Idaho Men Favored In Big West

New conference, same story for the University of Idaho men.

The reigning Big Sky Conference champions are favored to win the Big West Conference title this weekend in Irvine, Calif., thanks to the nation’s No. 2 steeplechaser and another strong group of sprinters.

Frank Bruder’s 8:34.88 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase is nearly 9 seconds better than the NCAA’s automatic qualifying standard, making him a heavy favorite when the two-day meet opens Friday.

Sprinter Tawanda Chiwira, meanwhile, ran the 400 in 45.26 seconds last weekend to become the Vandals’ second automatic qualifier.

Six Idaho men lead the Big West in their respective events, as does the Vandals’ 4x100 relay team.

The Idaho women have more modest goals.

Senior shot putter Jill Wimer is the team’s only Big West leader. She ranks 14th nationally with a throw of 50 feet, 4 inches.

While the Vandals finished last in their final Big Sky meet, women’s coach Yogi Weigel said she expects this year’s squad to finish no lower than sixth in the 11-team women’s field. , DataTimes