Track season off to a running start

By CHRISTINA HAMMETT

After months of practice, the men’s and women’s track teams are embarking upon a new season with extensive goals and broad confidence.

Not unlike cross country in the fall, the track teams are experiencing a rebuilding year that comes after losing head coach Tony Baracco in mid-2005. Since the arrival of new coach Matt Hart, the teams are hoping to make a move to the top of the NWAACC.

“There is always room for improvement, but I think we’re going to have a really good season this year,” said runner Alex Boyles. There are nearly 30 men and 10 women in the track program this year, of which many are freshmen. However, Boyles and runner Ashley Mulvaney said the freshman have really stepped up. But because of the young age of the athletes, the team chemistry has not had a chance to build up yet.

“I think one of the biggest things we need to work on is the team just coming together,” said Boyles. “For one thing, we’d do a lot better if we had more people cheering for us.”

Boyles thinks overall, the teams’ strengths lie evenly in all events, but said the throwers are bound to be good this year, especially with sophomore Jeremiah Drelleshak leading the pack.

“Jeremiah is a really strong thrower. We have some good distance runners, too,” he said. “I think we’re actually pretty strong in all our areas.”

The teams will get the chance to test their strength Saturday afternoon at the Mt. Hood Open, the first home meet of the year and the second event in the 2006 track schedule.

The first meet was the Willamette Open, held March 4 in Salem. The event wasn’t scored but it gave the athletes time to stretch their competitive legs and evaluate their opposition for the entire season.

“It was a good meet for working on individual things,” said Boyles.

Because the Mt. Hood Open is not scored either, the meet will likely prove to be another individual work time for the Saints athletes. They will also get a better look at their NWAACC competition, with 17 schools joining them on their home track and field.

Due to constructional repairs at the stadium and poor weather, there is the possible risk that the Open could be cancelled, but Boyles hopes that situation is not the case. “I hope we’re able to have our meet,” he said.