KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan track and field heads to the University of Toledo for the 2016 Outdoor Mid-American Conference Championships beginning on Thursday.

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Due to injuries the Broncos will need their young competitors to step up and carry the load at times, including in the heptathlon that begins on Thursday. Freshmen Diana Holsey and Allison Huffnagel will both compete in the event for the first time this season.

"I'm really looking forward to the heptathlon with Allison and Diana," said head coach Kelly Lycan. "They both have their strengths and weaknesses but I think they can score some points for us."

Thursday's events also include the hammer throw, javelin, pole vault and 10,000-meter run.

The heptathlon concludes on Friday morning, while finals in the shot put, long jump and 3,000-meter steeplechase take place. The remainder of the action takes place as qualifying races for Saturday's finals.

One youngster, Ayiana Gaines, heads into the weekend with a big target on her back. Gaines is the reigning outdoor, and indoor, 400-meter dash champion and holds the fastest qualifying time in the conference this season. Gaines burst onto the scene last season and won the race both indoors and outdoors, later winning it again at the 2016 Indoor MAC Championships. Gaines will also compete in the 200-meter dash trials on Friday along with junior Naiomi Dulaney.

"I think Naiomi is ready to run fast," Lycan added. "I think she can score in both the 100 and the 200. Ayiana also has a good shot in the 200 because she qualified early and we focused on other races during the season so her time seems a lot higher than we know she can run."

The meet wraps up on Saturday with the finals from Friday's trial events, along with the discus, high jump, triple jump, 4x100-meter relay, 5,000-meter run, and the 4x400-meter relay.