CHAMPAIGN  That the University of Illinois men''s track team picked up points in the steeplechase Saturday came as little surprise.

   That those points were produced by Rob Winfield, though, was as startling as the sudden tumble teammate Barry Pearman took during the race.

   CHAMPAIGN  The difference was merely one spot. Third place last year. Fourth on Friday.

   To Jason Zieren, though, that modest drop in the standings felt like a plummet.

   CHAMPAIGN  Take it from Barry Pearman: The water pit represents every steeplechaser''s worst nightmare.

   CHAMPAIGN  For Stephanie Dueringer, this was as close to a home track advantage as a visiting runner could have.

   The Michigan State senior was back in her hometown Friday. Back in front of family and friends. Back to hear the cheers.

   Dorian Green won''t be working the concession stand at today''s Big Ten track and field meet on campus.

   Nor will he be taking tickets or passing out programs.

   And the guy singing the national anthem? Not him either.

   CHAMPAIGN  A fresh coat of paint''s been slapped on the track, the new wooden scoreboard''s up and running and, this is key here, the extra Port-o-Potties have arrived.

   The baseball stadium''s been turned into a campground, with a tent for the athletes, a tent for the medical people, even a tent for the media types covering this weekend''s Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Craig Virgin listened to the roar of the huge crowd, looked at the flags and banners flying above Memorial Stadium as he took one final lap around the track.

The year was 1977, and the University of Illinois was hosting the NCAA Men's Track and Field national championships. Virgin had just run his last race for the Illini.

   The University of Illinois enjoyed its final competitive trip around its own track before next weekend''s Big Ten Track and Field Championships.

   The Illini won 12 events and had six athletes provisionally qualify for the NCAA Championship at Saturday''s Strider Classic at the UI Outdoor Track and Field Stadium.