Track and Field Preview

Carson Newman's Track and Field season is fast approaching with their first indoor meet at Appalachian State on February 12th. Coach David Needs, head track and field coach, says that this is one of the most anticipated seasons in recent history. There are many factors for this anticipation. First and foremost, the addition of a graduate assistant, Tina Dalton, has allowed the team to begin training in late fall.

"Tina has been a blessing and a half" said Needs.

The addition of Dalton has allowed more one on one time with the athletes with individual workouts being held all day.

Another factor is that on both the men and women's sides this is one of the most complete teams ever. This meaning that nearly every event has at least one athlete. The men's team is seeing the addition of distance runners in junior Ben Fry and sophomore Jonathan Madden coming from the men's cross country team. Another newcomer that will have an impact is freshman javelin thrower Justin Angermeir. Key returnees for the men's squad include: senior Chris Patton and sophomore Ronsae Harrison in long jump and high jump. Both flirted very close to the mark to qualify for Nationals last year. The women's team also has many key returnees, loosing very few seniors last year. Senior Aubrey Morris will be trying for another trip to Nationals to follow her cross-country trip in the 5k. Junior Catelyn Dake, unofficial South Atlantic Conference champion in the 800m and 400m, will be looking to repeat. Other key returnees include: Sophomore Chelsie Woods (sprinter), Juniors Tiffany Winchell (distance) and Cara Hawkins (distance) and Seniors Jen Wiley (sprinter), Laura Young (5k) and Heather Freshwater (10k).

Most exciting factor is the addition of an official South Atlantic Conference meet. In years past, a tri-meet between conferences in DII and NAIA has been held at Lees McCrae in Banner Elk, NC. This year, Lenoir -Rhyne will host the host the two-day event on April 24 and 25. This will allow the team to truly test their abilities against conference opponents.

"I'm excited to see what the season holds for us," said Needs.