MONTGOMERY, Ala. -  Alabama State men's and women's track teams head to Normal, Ala., for the 2017 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, May 5-7 on the campus of Alabama A&M at the Louis Crews Stadium.

The ASU women's team looks to secure its eighth-straight outdoor title, as the men are looking to carry momentum from their indoor championship to capture their first outdoor title since 2004.

"Everyday we wake up; there is a target on our back (life)," head coach Ritchie Beene said. "The SWAC Championship is just one of many targets we prepare our team for. They know measurable things in life (SWAC Championship) are not just given to you!"

Heading into SWAC finals, nine Hornet women hold top-spots in the league; Kaila Lewis (100m/11.58), Kaila Lewis (200m/23.76), Tatiana Etienne (800m/2:11.07), Arion Span (1500m/4:42.08), Arion Span (5000m/19:07.16), Monica Howard (100H/13.48), Sade Lavallias (3000 Steeple/12:05.43), women's 4x100 relay (45.25) and the women's 4x400 relay (3:43.59). 

On the men's side, nine Hornet's hold top positions in the SWAC heading into the championship; Josh David (100m/10.32), Josh Davis (200m/20.71), Jamie Brown (Long Jump/7.53m), Jamie Brown (Triple Jump/15.16m), Roseanne Byfield (Shot Put/15.72m) and the men's 4x400 relay (3:09.64). 

"I feel we have good group headed into this championship this weekend," Beene added.  "The bar has been set high for both teams and they have to be ready for the challenges of reaching those standards."

For complete schedule of events, logon to www.SWAC.org.