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Saints track and field prepares for PLU Spring Open in Tacoma
Josh Carey
The Advocate
The MHCC track and field team is looking forward to continuing in its winning tradition this spring with some fresh new talent and strong returning sophomore athletes.
The Saints start the year Saturday at the PLU Spring Open, in Tacoma. Head coach Matt Hart is looking to see a good effort from both the men’s and women’s teams. Hart said he is optimistic and excited about the upcoming season because of how well the team is following the training regiment and the program itself.
When describing the teams’ motivation and discipline, Hart said, “It’s easier to push a boulder that’s already rolling.”
There is also a distinct excitement from the students to finally be able to compete after all the training they’ve put in during the winter months.
The men’s side boasts superb talent in throws and in sprints, Hart said, with throwers like Junior Valezquez. “He brings a lot to the throws.” Returning athlete Brandon Faber has shown significant improvement in flexibility which should equate to improvement on the hurdle events, the coach said.
Additions to the men’s side include freshman Nathan Hope, who Hart said “shows huge potential.” Transfer student and 2005 district champion Matt Romey joins the team from Lane Community College.
The women’s side hopes to return back to the top of the Southern District as they did with their championship squad in 2007. It won’t be an easy task for the Saints, with just 14 athletes on the squad, but they did it with only nine in 2007.
Returning hopefuls include Whitney Payment in distance running and Terra Schumacher on jumps and hurdles. Incoming freshman Kelsey Strot comes from an extraordinary throwing family which includes former Oregon high school champion Emily Strot.
There has also been an addition to the coaching staff with Calvin Griggs, who will coach throwing. Hart described him as “positive,” “willing to grow” and that he brings a level of professionalism to the program.