“ It is a very prestigious meet to attend and you have to qualify for it ,” said Eugene Lewis, BSC track and field head coach. “On average, there are around two to three qualifiers per team.”

Muise qualified to run the 400-meter dash at the championship. He got the provisional spot in February at the SUNYAC Championship at Hobart in Geneva, NY. He holds a pair of records that he broke in the outdoor season of 2003.

• 400 with a time of 47.06
• 400 hurdles with a time of 52.44
• Neil Hall: previous record holder
• 400 with 47.60 since 1986
• Mike Burroughs: previous record holder
• 400 hurdles with 54.50 since 1981

“We are going to try our best to win,” said Muise

“I have a feeling that Justin is very close to becoming the national champ,” said Lewis.

Just this season, Roper broke two indoor records at the SUNYAC Championships at Hobart on Feb.21, 2003.

• 55 with a time of 7.27
• 200 with a time of 26.59
• Linda Williams: previous record holder
• 55 with 7.36 since 2003
• 200 with 26.63 since 2003

This is also the meet where she received the provisional spot to run the 55-meter dash at the championship.

“Honestly, I don't like seeing other runners backs,” said Roper

With two school records under their belts, the competition looks fierce at the meet. Muise and Roper are both previous BSC Athletes of the Week holders for the month of February.

“I have high expectations for the meet. I expect Justin and Mercedes to finish in the top five in the country,” said Lewis.

“I think that we are both going to do very well at the meet. I think that we will definitely be among the top 5 in the country.” said Roper.

“We should place in the top 5, I hope. I expect us to be the top champs this year,” said Muise.

Confidence, now that is the name of the game. It is going to be an exciting season next year as Muise and Roper will be returning to the track.