RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University track and field team will get to compete on familiar ground this Friday as the Colonels host the EKU Open at Tom Samuels Track. The meet is the only home event for the track and field team this spring.

Field events are scheduled to get underway at 12:00 p.m. while track events are scheduled to start around 4:00 p.m. The final event of the night is scheduled to take place at 10:30 p.m., although that time could get pushed back due to inclement weather.

The EKU track and field team currently boasts seven OVC-best times during the outdoor season. Junior Katherine Pagano has OVC-best times in the 3,000 meters (9:59.00) and the 5,000 meters (17:15.31), while sophomore Lutisha Bowen is atop the OVC best list in the 200 meters (24.79) and the 100-meter hurdles (14.01).

Senior Christopher Rengifo, meanwhile, has recorded the fastest 1,500 meters time (3:51.92) in the OVC, while freshman Soufiane Bouchikhi has the fastest 5,000 meters time (14:02.61) and sophomore David Mutuse has the fastest 10,000 meters time (30:53.36).

Pagano won the 5,000 meters at the EKU Open last year with a time of 18:12.70, while Bowen won the 100-meter hurdles last year with a time of 14.11.

Other returning winners from last year include Mutuse in the 5,000 meters (14:58.27) and sophomore Diamond Benjamin in the 200 meters (24.88).

The EKU track and field team will compete at the OVC Outdoor Track and Field Championships from April 30-May 1 in Cookeville, Tenn.

Check back later tonight for complete results of the meet.