SAN ANGELO, Tex. (May 22) -- It's been nine years since a Seattle Pacific University athlete last won an NCAA Division II track & field title, but here in hot, dry, windswept West Texas that drought could be coming to an end.

Jack Hoyt, the Falcons' coach, believes he has a few national contenders among his band of eight women and one male. The meet begins Thursday with the first day of the heptathlon, plus several preliminary races later in the evening.

The eight women account for 10 entries, equaling the most for an SPU women's team since 1989, and it gives Hoyt hope of finishing among the top five overall.

"There are a lot of teams with the potential to score between 40-60 points and we're one of them," said Hoyt.

Five Falcons rank among the top five qualifiers in their respective event. Senior Stephanie Huffman is No. 4 in both the heptathlon and the javelin, and it is the latter event where Hoyt believes she will ultimately shine brightest.

"Stephanie's very confident about the heptathlon and pushing for a national title in the javelin," he said. "The javelin is a pretty closely packed field and she seems to be putting everything together right now."

Laura Widman, another heptathlon entry, carries a great deal of late-season momentum into the meet. She bounced back from injuries to become the No. 5 qualifier.

"Laura's definitely peaking and everything seems to be right in line with a top-three finish."

Not since Karin Grelsson won her second straight NCAA heptathlon in 1993 has Seattle Pacific sent someone to the top of the awards podium.

Nobody is more determined to win than senior runner Rachel Ross. Although the No. 8 qualifier in the 800 meters, she figures to run with the lead pack now that Hoyt has pulled her from the 1500.

"Rachel is fired up. She wants to go out and win the thing and break the school record at 2:06. She's a little disappointed in not doubling but we wanted to give her the best opportunity to be really competitive in one event."

Hurdler Jawea Harder and shot thrower Dionna Anderson are ranked No. 4 in their events as well. Anderson's goal is a put of 48 feet.

Hoyt says each of his athletes is determined to make the top eight of their event, thereby becoming an All-America. There is the possibility of getting three scorers in the heptathlon alone, with Leah Wiiest joining Huffman and Widman.

Nathanael Castle, the first SPU male to compete nationally since 1998, faces a tough draw in his opening 1500 heat Thursday night. Harder is also racing Thursday while Ross opens Friday night in the 800.

Pole vaulter Ally Studer cleared 11 feet, 6 inches only once during the season, yet that is the opening height. Competition in all field events, including the pole vault, javelin and long jump, where Widman is amongst the field, is Saturday, along with the final heats of each race.