The final leg of the race is often the most grueling, the most difficult, and where the best athletes separate themselves from the rest of the field.

The Washington State track team now finds itself entering the final leg of the season, and hopes for a strong finish, with championship races rapidly approaching.

After two months away from Pullman, the Cougs return to the Mooberry Track and Field Complex this Saturday to compete in the Cougar Invitational.

WSU Head Coach Rick Sloan said coming back to Pullman for two weeks before the Pac-12 Championships start will be better for training than in years past.

“Having the Cougar Invite next weekend gives us a little bit of a down weekend and we can prepare for the championship part of the season,” Sloan said.

In years past, Sloan said runners have come back from away races the week before the championships tired and dehydrated. This year there is time for key runners to get their rest.

Sophomore sprinter Andre McBride is coming off an impressive stretch, earning the Pac-12 Conference Male Track Athlete of the Week for April 7-13. McBride ran personal records in the 100-meter and 200-meter, with times of 10.42w and 21.03w, respectively.

“It wasn’t something I expected,” McBride said. “It’s nice to see things paying off.”

The award is an honor that Sloan said McBride deserves after having a great weekend at the Jim Click Shootout.

“He’s hit his stride now, and where I’ve noticed it the most is in the second leg of our relay,” Sloan said. “He’s been eating up the competition on that second leg and really running well.”

McBride said he enjoys the relay the most because it’s when he feels that he’s at his best. However, sprinters coach Ellannee Richardson said McBride has put himself in a position to contribute in open events as well as the relay.

“Our men have the potential to score in every sprint, hurdle and relay event at the conference meet this year,” Richardson said. “Andre plays a big role in us being able to accomplish this task.”

McBride has taken a big step forward this outdoor season, understanding the importance of small technical changes in his day-to-day training, Richardson said. She added that being in tune with his training has helped him evolve from week to week.

Sleeping more, stretching more and learning ways to improve aspects of his daily life have greatly contributed to his improvements on the track, McBride said.

“A lot of it is me coming into a better understanding with myself and understanding what my body can take,” he said.

In addition, McBride said wearing the uniform comes with a sense of responsibility and helps give him a little extra motivation while running.

“I want people to understand where I come from, and do well for myself and the team at the same time,” McBride said.

Although he enjoys escaping the bitter Pullman cold in winter months with meets in warmer places like California, McBride said that the travel can take a toll on an athlete’s body, and it will be refreshing to spend a couple weeks in Pullman before championships.

This year, McBride wants to go to nationals and be a Pac-12 scorer. Eventually, he wants to become one of the conference’s top runners.