ARCATA — Twice this week Humboldt State's track and field teams will host meets in Redwood Bowl, first inviting local high school athletes to test their readiness on Friday, then welcoming collegiate opponents to town Saturday.

Scheduled for Friday is the Humboldt Invitational Twilight Relay and Open competition, with several local high school squads lining up with other participating community members.  Events begin at 4 p.m. with the boys' shot put, with the final competition the boys' super sprint medley at 7:30 p.m.

Signed up to participate are athletes from Arcata, Del Norte, Eureka, Fortuna, Hoopa, McKinleyville, South Fork and Southern Trinity high schools. Highlighting the evening should be the women/girls mile run at 5:45 p.m., followed by the men/boys mile at 6 p.m.

"This meet is an icebreaker for the high schools," HSU head coach Scott Pesch said. "It's generally a fun meet, and a great way to start their season."

On Saturday, the Lumberjacks will compete on their home track and field for the second time this season. They'll be joined by athletes representing San Francisco State and Sonoma State, along with unattached individuals.

Field events begin with the throws at 9 a.m. on the upper field behind Redwood Bowl. Racing on the track starts at 11 a.m.

With two meets behind them, Pesch and his assistants have had a chance to assess their athletes heading into the heart of the spring campaign. He feels the timing of the Humboldt Invitational is a great way to head into next week's spring break.

"We competed well in the previous meets, but next week will be somewhat of a down week of training," Pesch said. "Being home for this meet is a great way to transition into the very competitive meets of April and May."