Ohio State opens competition at the Armory Track Invitational in New York City.

The Ohio State track and field team sends its top sprinters and throwers to New York City this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-6, for the 2016 Armory Track Invitational.

Hosted by Auburn and Tennessee, the invitational pit eight teams from the SEC against seven squads from the other four Power Five conferences.

Fred Barends, director of operations for the Ohio State track & field and cross country program, was recognized with the prestigious Contributor Award by the Ohio Track and Field and Cross Country Officials Association.

Arguably the top meet of the regular season awaits the Ohio State track and field team this weekend as the Buckeyes travel to Birmingham, Ala., for the Power Five Conference Clash.

Sophomore Beatrice Hannan was named Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week by the conference office after a standout performance at the Kentucky Invitational last weekend.