The Northwestern State track and field teams are looking for top three finishes as they head into the Southland Conference Indoor Championships this Saturday and Sunday at the University of Oklahoma’s Mosier Indoor Complex.

The two-day event begins at 8:30 on Friday morning with the women’s 60m hurdles preliminaries. The Stephen F. Austin men’s team seeks its second overall title while the women’s team looks for its fifth consecutive title.

In 2012 both NSU squads finished 10th at the indoor championships but Demon coach Leon Johnson and Lady Demon coach Mike Heimerman are more optimistic about the potential for this year’s teams.

The Demons have just three seniors and 18 of their 26 qualifiers are comprised of freshmen and sophomores. The Lady Demons have a little more experience on their side with seven seniors leading the way for their 18 qualifiers.

The Lady Demons have become known for their strong throwing squads and this year is no exception. Allen leads the way for NSU with a No. 1 ranking in the shot put (47-10) and a No. 3 ranking in the weight throw (56-10).

The Lady Demons return three of four runners from last season’s school-record setting 4x400 team. Veterans Griffin, Constance Seibles and Consuela Lindsay will bring freshman Madison Morton into the mix for this year’s indoor championships.

NSU’s men’s squad is highlighted by both familiar names and fresh new athletes.

Griffin, a junior, ranks sixth in the 400m dash with a time of 56.71.

Both NSU teams begin the outdoor season on March 8 at the McNeese Cowboy “Bob Hayes Louisiana Challenge.”