Track & field teams optimistic after first meet

New recruits, strong leadership, specialized training push program to new level

MVNU’s track and field team has nearly doubled this year, with the team carrying 42 members.

Track and field returned to MVNU last year after years without a program. Coaches and players are optimistic about the growth in just one season. In 2015, the track and field rosters

carried a total of 24 athletes. The larger roster means the Cougars will compete in a wider range of events at each meet.

“One of the challenges of starting a new program is building the quantity while not compromising the quality of the program,” coach Chip Wilson compete at a higher level.”The men’s and women’s teams

opened their indoor seasons witha meet Jan. 15 at Ohio Wesleyan University. The men placed second in the three-way meet, while the women came in third.

Among the freshmen who garnered attention with their performances at their first meet were Brandon Brown, who took first place in the 200 meters; Treshaun Robinson, second in the 300 meters; and Mitchell Soviak, second in the shot put.

Among the top returning athletes are sophomore Sam Nordquist, who excelled last season in the long jump and high jump; junior Annie Winkler, a top runner for the cross country team and leader in the distance events; and senior Josh Richardson, another cross country athlete and standout in distance events.

Wilson was excited about the performance he saw at OWU and expects great things from all of his athletes.

“The expectations are higher because we have solid leadership from our seniors and young students,” Wilson said. “I am confident that we will be able to compete and continue building.”

Even though it is early in the season, the team is eager to learn and be challenged, Wilson said.

The team also welcomed former MVNU baseball player Anthony Clark into the family this season. Clark,a fifth-year senior, said he received tremendous support from the track team.

“The team and coaching staff have been phenomenal,” Clark said. “They’re all so full of life and kind. It is truly a blessing to be associated with them.”

As the team grows in numbers, athletes also are honing their talents. “We are specializing training for

groups of runners now,” junior Jake Sherer said. “This type of training is going to help those individuals focus on their events and compete in them at a very high level.”

The next meet is an invitationalat Denison next weekend. The team competes in four indoor meets, then begins the outdoor season in March.