Since the formation of the Big 12 Conference, it's almost become a habit for track and field teams outside of Nebraska to strive for second place at the indoor conference championships.
So far, only Nebraska and Texas have been able to capture indoor team titles; NU has 13 while Texas holds 7.
"I think, to a large extent, we were very fortunate that we were able to recruit terrific athletes and have a coaching staff in place that has been able to work hand in hand with those athletes," NU Coach Gary Pepin said of the Cornhuskers' success.
At the beginning of the year, it looked as though the Husker men might be on the verge of a ninth indoor title in 11 tries, including seven of the last eight.
But the way things are shaping up down the stretch are beginning to tell a different story. NU will be without two-time All-American and reigning indoor and outdoor NCAA long jump champion Arturs Abolins, who is still suffering from a calf injury.
Also out of action for the Huskers is Ben Schutter, a multi-event athlete who won't be competing this weekend due to the death of a family member.
One athlete the Huskers will have in action will be pursuing his first career Big 12 title.
Dusty Jonas, a junior high jumper, has already reached an NCAA qualifying height this season.
Jonas' highest finish at any conference meet came during his freshman campaign when he placed second. He's also placed sixth or better in his three other Big 12 appearances.
"It's going to take everyone doing pretty much everything they can - it's going to be a dog fight," Jonas said. "For the team, (winning the high jump) would be great - it'd help out the team, and I've never won before. As long as I'm having fun, it's a good time."
Meanwhile, the Husker women are looking for their third indoor conference championship in the last four years. They head into the meet the underdogs to heavy favorite Texas A&M, which holds over a quarter of the top marks in all events.
The Husker women will have experience on their side, as they send the most accomplished women's pole vaulter in Big 12 history.
Jenny Green, a two-time All-American from Grand Island, will try to capture her fourth conference title and defend her 2006 Big 12 indoor pole vault victory.
Green is the only female in conference history to win the event more than twice.
"I think you need to expect anything and just be mentally and physically prepared to the best of your ability," Green said. "It's probably going to one of the toughest Big 12 Championships that I've vaulted in for sure."
The Big 12 Indoor Championships, which is being held at Iowa State, will begin today at 9 a.m.
"Our team has two goals," Pepin said. "Our goals are to win the conference championships and finish in the top 10 in the NCAA meet."
