April 3, 2008 06:26 PM

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette Invitational has a history of being one of the most competitive small college meets on the West Coast. It also holds its own as the largest collegiate meet at all levels in the Pacific Northwest. As a result, the meet has grown to 1,600 entries involving 950 athletes this season. A total of 57 collegiate and club teams will be represented during the meet, set for Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 at the Charles Bowles Track.

Even with scratches in some events, the total number of entries is expected to be over 1,500 when the meet gets underway. Almost every NCAA Division II, NCAA Division II, NAIA and junior college team in the Northwest will participate, as well as NCAA Division I athletes from Oregon State University, Portland State University and the University of Portland.