The Binghamton University track and field team heads down to Boston this Friday with hearts running, jumping, hurdling and throwing in anticipation for a chance to win at the America East Conference Championship.

The two-day indoor conference meet begins Friday morning at 10. For the past two seasons, the men of Albany and the Boston University women have taken ownership of the AE title. The Bearcats came in fourth place last season, but head coach Mike Thompson hopes to move up in the rankings this year.

“For the men, we hope to finish in the top three or top two,” he said. “We are missing a few of our key players from the women’s side, but … it will be nice to finish in the top five.”

Binghamton should keep a keen eye out for its defending champion and potential Olympic star Rory Quiller in the pole vault as he returns for his final America East meet. Freshman Cazal Arnett looks promising in the 200 and 400, while Dan Walker hopes to place in both the 55 and 200. The Bearcats hope to show their more physical side with weight throw juniors Justin Halleck, Joanel Lopez and Justin Hidalgo. Sophomore Kevin Ralston, who was sixth in the long jump at the AE outdoor meet last season, hopes to make top conference this time around while fellow freshman Christian Smith makes his debut in the 500-meter run.

The Binghamton women are in a bit of a slump. From injuries to family emergencies, many of the star players are unavailable, so it will be harder for them to win as a team. Still, there are several individuals aching to prove themselves as well.

Junior Carly Gross hopes take on the pole vault with zeal while Jasmine Hinson aims to tackle both the 55- and 200-meter dash. Last season’s outdoor heptathlon champ, junior Marsha Fiesinger will compete in the high jump as well as the pentathlon in this competition. Sophomore Caitlin Wright will run the 500 while freshman Ashley Horton will be a runner to watch for in the 3,000 and 5,000.

“We are always excited for championship time,” said Thompson. “We hope to perform well.”

Let the games begin: Friday starts with the pentathlon for the women, which includes the 55-meter hurdles, the high jump, shot put, long jump and the 800-meter run. The men will take their start at the heptathlon which is made up of the 55-meter dash, long jump, shot put and the high jump. Preliminary runs for a number of events, including the 55-, 200- and 400-meter dashes follow.

Later in the afternoon the women will face-off in the weight throw, long jump, pole vault and distance medley finals. The day will end with the finals for the 5,000-meter run and men’s distance medley. On Saturday the races begin with heptathlon finals, followed by women’s shot put, high jump and triple jump. After this will be the finals for the mile run, hurdles, dashes and long distance running. The indoor championships will then close with the relay races.