This weekend, the USF track teams will stay home to host the USF Invite. The home stand is the only time that the Bulls will not be traveling on the road this season and coach Greg Thiel wants to take full advantage of it.

“We don’t have all (of the advantage), but it is a good advantage,” Thiel said.

Thiel cites comforts such as athletes sleeping in their own bed, relatives and friends coming to support them and no travel arrangements as the benefits of staying home.

“Physically it is easier on an athlete,” Thiel said. “Traveling is exciting and fun, but through a long season it wears on you.”

Because of the physical and mental advantages, Thiel expects better performances from his athletes. Inparticular, Thiel is looking forward to seeing Jimmy Baxter and Dayana Octavien.

“I expect them to come really focused and compete,” Thiel said.

Another thing that Thiel is looking forward to seeing is the fact that all of his athletes will be competing. Instead of taking the select few on the road, this weekend’s home meet will allow all track athletes to perform.

“All the kids enjoy it,” Thiel said. “I think it is great fun for the whole team.”

Friday’s activities will be highlighted by the men’s long jump at 4 p.m., the women’s hammer at 4 p.m. and the men’s high jump at 6:30 p.m. Baxter will try to claim a fourth victory as he has won the high jump at the past three meets. Octavien, who is acclimating to the outdoor season nicely, Thiel said, will participate in the hammer throw. She is looking forward to the discus on Saturday at 3 p.m., an event that she has come in first and second this year.

Saturday’s highlights include the women’s shot put at 6 p.m. and the women’s 400-meter hurdles at 8:15 p.m. Chandra Brewer is expected to do well; she won the shot put in the season opener. Delpino, who came in second to the world record holder only two weeks ago, will try to claim her first victory after coming in second and fourth this season.

For a complete list of events and their times go to http://gobulls.usf.edu.