CEDAR FALLS - Wet conditions and the prospect of additional inclement weather over the coming days had led the University of Northern Iowa track and field program to cancel the Mark Messersmith Invitational, which was originally scheduled for this Saturday.

Excessive rainfall Monday left standing water on the infield of the Mark Messersmith Track and Field Complex, with additional rain forecast to fall throughout the week.

With the cancellation, the Panthers will be without a home outdoor meet for the second consecutive season. Inclement weather also led to the cancellation of the 2007 edition of the Messersmith Invitational.

UNI will now hit the road this weekend to take part in the ESU Relays at Emporia State University. Competition at Fran Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan., begins Saturday with field events slated to get under way at 10 a.m. Running events begin at 11 a.m.