Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Track and Field	SIUE Track and Field SIUE Athletics

David Astrauskas

January 10, 2007 Cougars Ready To Kick Off 2007         The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's and men's track and field indoor season will kickoff this weekend at the Missouri Invitational.         Hosted by a member of the Big 12 the Missouri Invitational will be a good test for the Cougars.         "Right from the start we will see quality competition from some of the top Division one athletes in the country," said SIUE track and field coach David Astrauskas.         After the men's and women's teams both earned first place honors in the Great Lakes Valley Conference during the 2006 season the Cougars are looking to continue their success in the 2007 season.         "We use this meet to see where we are at in our training and get rid of some of the butterflies," said Astrauskas.         Since the Cougars will be using this meet to see where they are at some of the runners will be competing in events that they are not accustomed to.         "Some of our 400 meter runners will run in the 800 meter event just so they can get their timing back and get focusing on competing," said Astrauskas.         The team started its training on Sept. 5. "Everybody is anxious to get going and see how the training has paid off," added Astrauskas.         The women's and men's teams will compete Friday Jan. 12 at the Missouri Invitational in Columbia, Mo.         -siue cougars-