Tuscaloosa, AL (U-WIRE) -- With the season winding down, the Alabama men's track and field team is gearing up for the SEC Championship.

"Overall, this has been an excellent year so far," said Crimson Tide head coach Harvey Glance. "We have a very young team, but a very consistent team nonetheless."

The Tide is going into their fifth race of the indoor season this weekend at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The team just came off their best showing of the year at the Meyo Invitational in Indiana last weekend.

The team recorded two NCAA-provisional qualifying marks, which are two marks that rank in the top 10 in the country. Gabe Warren recorded the tenth best high jump in the nation, with a mark of 7'01.50".

Peter Etoot notched the fifth-fastest time in the 800-meter, with a time of 1:49.37. The mark was Etoot's best of the season. These two marks were among the 11 personal bests and two season-best Tide athletes recorded at the meet.

"I am very satisfied with how our team is competing this year," Glance said. "Every time we go out, our guys are giving it their all and, as a coach, that is all you can ask for in every athlete."

The team looks to be in good shape headed into this weekend's event. Alabama is currently ranked 12th in the Team Power Rankings and looks to be a threat to win the meet this weekend.

"Overall, we are a great team," said junior sprinter Chauncey Harris. "This team has the ability to go a long way, thanks to the great leadership of Coach Glance."

Harris currently leads the team in the 60-meter and the 200-meter sprints, and looks to make a huge impact in Arkansas this weekend as well.

Some of the best teams in the country will be at Arkansas this weekend. The competition should prepare the Tide for the SEC and NCAA Indoor Championships, both of which will be held in Fayetteville this year.

The SEC Championships will be held Feb. 25-27, and the NCAA Championships will be held March 11-12. If the Tide finds itself struggling at the end of the season, the last date to qualify is March 5 in Gainesville, Florida.

The outdoor track season begins March 17 with the Alabama Relays, held at the University.

(C) 2004 The Crimson White via U-WIRE