A few things as we barrel toward a busy weekend. ...
-- College athletes take a step toward the Divsion I NCAA Outdoor Championships with regional qualifying meets beginning today in Tampa and Sacramento.
The Oregon Ducks will need to shine in Sacramento to set up realistic bids for team titles. The UO women are defending national champions.
At this point, the Ducks wouldn't figure as prime contenders for either the men's or women's national team championships. They could change that with big performances over the next three days in Hornet Stadium.
Oregon State, the University of Portland and Portland State also have athletes competing in Sacramento.