The No. 6 Arizona men’s and unranked women’s track and field teams are set to split up for this weekend’s meets.

The distance runners have traveled to Eugene, Ore., to compete in the Oregon Invitational today, while the throwers and jumpers headed back to California to perform in today and tomorrow’s competitive Triton Invitational in La Jolla, Calif.

Both meets will come as a break after last weekend’s hectic travel schedule in which many athletes competed in two different meets, said Fred Harvey, Arizona’s track and field head coach.

“”It will be a little easier for them,”” he said.

Harvey said the Triton Invitational will still be difficult.

“”We thought it would be a great opportunity to give our athletes another chance to improve their marks,”” he said.

Among the athletes expected to shine are junior hurdler Dan Cook, who was unable to perform at his best in the 400-meter hurdles in last Friday’s Mt. San Antonio College meet due to torrential rains, Harvey said.

“”The rain really hampered his run,”” Harvey said. “”It wasn’t indicative of what he is capable of doing.””

Cook, who placed No. 19 in the event with a time of 55.73, agreed.

“”The reason he chose me to compete this week was because last weekend’s meet had such poor conditions,”” Cook said.

He added he has no doubt he’ll do well this time.

“”I just want to get a good time to prepare for the Pac-10 Championships,”” Cook said.

Ever since UCLA junior All-American hurdler Brandon Johnson pulled his hamstring during the April 6 Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational in Los Angeles, Cook said he is sure he can start finishing at the top.

“”I think that ever since that guy from UCLA got hurt, it’s opened (up) for anybody in the Pac-10,”” Cook said.

As for the Oregon Invitational, Harvey said the meet is perfect for the distance runners.

“”It was put on our schedule to satisfy the needs of our distance group,”” Harvey said. “”It’s a good, cool-weather climate.””

Harvey said he sees All-American senior distance runner Robert Cheseret taking the lead in the 10,000m race.

“”As far as his training goes, he’s running well,”” Harvey said. “”He should have an opportunity to run a real good 10,000(m).””

Cheseret said he expects do well this weekend.

“”My goal is to run fast and qualify for nationals at the 10K,”” he said.