Spring Break
Track goal set on regionals
Christie Barlow
Issue date: 2/25/05 Section: Sports
The Gardner-Webb University men and women's track and field teams have fared well in competition this season.
They opened their indoor season at Appalachian State University with more than 14 competitors finishing in the top five in their respected events.
With such a good start to the season the team is hopeful about what is to come.
"We want to improve upon what we did last year," said Brian Baker, head coach. "We should send more people to the regional qualifier."
The track and field team is looking to be dominant in a number of events this year.
"Both men's and women's hurdles are strong this year, and so are the throwing events," said Baker. "Men's shot put should do well."
The Bulldog track and field team has already set a few new school records this season. They have set new records in women's Distance Medley Relay, beating the previous record by 28 seconds. Sprinter Kevin Prime beat his own school record in the 200 m dash. Shot Putter Darryl Nelson set a new school record in the 35 pound weight throw. He destroyed his old record of 39'3 with a throw of 44'7. There have also been new school records set in the men's 55 m and 65 m dashes.
With the indoor part of the season winding down and the outdoor season just approaching, the team is hopeful that its performance will continue to improve.
"I expect our team to grow in talent as well as in competition," said Lorelei Wagner, junior pole-vaulter from Albany, New York. "Our main focus right now is conference. We all want to improve individually and as a team from last year."
Her teammates agree.
"We're expecting to place three guys in discus and hammer," said Matt Knippen, a freshmen shot putter from Ottoville, Ohio. "We have a good chance at placing second at conference behind Troy State."
Baker remains optimistic about his team's chances.
"We hope to improve upon performances," said Baker. "It will be a learning experience. We have a young team, and we want to get them some experience so they can be contenders for conference."
The track team opens up its outdoor season with a meet at Charleston Southern on March 12.
They opened their indoor season at Appalachian State University with more than 14 competitors finishing in the top five in their respected events.
With such a good start to the season the team is hopeful about what is to come.
"We want to improve upon what we did last year," said Brian Baker, head coach. "We should send more people to the regional qualifier."
The track and field team is looking to be dominant in a number of events this year.
"Both men's and women's hurdles are strong this year, and so are the throwing events," said Baker. "Men's shot put should do well."
The Bulldog track and field team has already set a few new school records this season. They have set new records in women's Distance Medley Relay, beating the previous record by 28 seconds. Sprinter Kevin Prime beat his own school record in the 200 m dash. Shot Putter Darryl Nelson set a new school record in the 35 pound weight throw. He destroyed his old record of 39'3 with a throw of 44'7. There have also been new school records set in the men's 55 m and 65 m dashes.
With the indoor part of the season winding down and the outdoor season just approaching, the team is hopeful that its performance will continue to improve.
"I expect our team to grow in talent as well as in competition," said Lorelei Wagner, junior pole-vaulter from Albany, New York. "Our main focus right now is conference. We all want to improve individually and as a team from last year."
Her teammates agree.
"We're expecting to place three guys in discus and hammer," said Matt Knippen, a freshmen shot putter from Ottoville, Ohio. "We have a good chance at placing second at conference behind Troy State."
Baker remains optimistic about his team's chances.
"We hope to improve upon performances," said Baker. "It will be a learning experience. We have a young team, and we want to get them some experience so they can be contenders for conference."
The track team opens up its outdoor season with a meet at Charleston Southern on March 12.