The University of Alabama men’s track and field team has soared up the national rankings over the past two weeks.

Their impressive performance in Seattle, Wash., Feb 12-11, earned them the 19th spot in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Even though they did not compete this past weekend, they jumped two spots to 17 in the latest rankings.

Though they did not compete, the squad and head coach Harvey Glance have been preparing for the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships Feb 25-27 in Fayetteville, Ark.

This past week, the Tide has been working on specific aspects of its game as well as its mental outlook heading into this championship meet.

“We’ve been working on technical things,” Glance said. “We’ve been working on our starts and talking about the mental aspect for the championship.”

Throughout the season, Glance has preached about being able to run with the best in order to be the best. With a conference as deep and talented as the SEC, every meet is competing against the best.

According to the USTFCCA rankings, the SEC is the No. 1 ranked conference in all of men’s track and field, with five teams ranked in the top 25.

The University of Florida tops the standings at No. 1, followed by LSU at No. 2. The University of Arkansas lays claim to the fifth spot with Alabama at No. 17 and the University of Georgia at No. 24.

Auburn University, which at one point was ranked as high as No. 11, fell out of the polls this past week after being ranked No. 24.

“It shows the depth of our league,” Glance said. “We’re looking for everyone to challenge everyone, and we’re looking to challenge everyone as well.”

While already qualifying for three events in the NCAA indoor championships, the Tide will be aiming toward capturing individual titles and enhancing its chances to qualify for events for the NCAA Championships.

Heading into the weekend, there are certain members of the squad that are poised to have breakout performances.

Glance said he expects good performances from defending SEC outdoor champion, senior Kirani James, as well as senior Emmanuel Bor.

Senior Fred Samoei, who Glance called, “a big trigger for us,” is poised for another impressive performance in the 800 meters after his record setting time of 1:47.41.

Glance added junior Carison Kemei, competing in the 5,000 meters, both relay teams and freshman high jumper Kamal Fuller have high expectations, as does the whole squad.

“All together we’re going have high expectations, and it’s going to be a good team effort,” Glance said.

Upon conclusion of the SEC Indoor Championship, the Tide will travel to South Bend, Ind., to participate in the Alex Wilson Invitational, March 4-5.