Entering its second year at the Gantcher Center, the men's track team hopes to have a more successful indoor season this winter. Plagued by injuries and a shortage of jumpers throughout the winter and spring last year, the Jumbos would like to have a more healthy and balanced team this time around.
The main weakness for the team last year was a lack of jumpers. Despite a strong running and throwing team, Tufts was never able to pull out a victory last season due to the shortness. Thanks to several incoming freshmen, and the eligibility of other team members, the Jumbos should be able to overcome that this year.
Coach Connie Putnam was especially excited by the ability of freshmen Patrick Taylor and Eric Simmons. Both show the potential to help increase the Jumbos strength in jumping events. Putnam described Simmons as someone with "pretty good potential," while he sees Taylor as a member who will have a definite impact on the team. Teammates agree with Putnam about Taylor's ability.
"He's going to be a good jumper," sophomore Greg Devine said. "Hopefully we can keep him injury free and have him steadily improve."
Unlike last year, Putnam will also have the opportunity to use Devine. Last year he only ran in the short distance running events. Due to lingering injuries from his football season along with a strained hamstring during the winter season, Devine was held out of the long jump in his freshmen year. Yet, after a relatively healthy football season, Putnam hopes that he can rely on Devine if needed.
"Greg has an excellent jumping ability and will help us out a lot," Putnam said.
After injuring his hamstring in a jumping event early last year, Devine is somewhat cautious about participating in the long jump again, but he is willing to aid the team's effort.
"I'll jump when I have to help out the team," he commented.
While the team has significantly increased its depth in jumping, Putnam is still on the lookout to add to his jumpers. He still looks for other members of the team with the potential to join the jumping squad if needed.
Along with improving the outlook of the jumping team, the freshmen will also have a chance to have an impact on the long distance running squad this season. The Jumbos lost several prominent seniors in this department with the departures of Steven Kaye, Peter Rodriguez and Matt Lyons. Yet after a successful cross-country season, it seems as if the freshmen will be able to fill the gaps that the former Jumbos left behind. Therefore, Putnam is not concerned that the loss of the seniors will hurt the team much.
Of the many men that had a strong season, freshmen James Lamoureaux proved that he will be a one of the Jumbos' most valuable additions. He was not the only one to catch the coach's eye though. Reflecting on the distance squad, Putnam was confident that they will be a strong point once again.
"I feel that the distance squad is now a good, young team," Putnam said. "Over the course of the year, they will develop well."
Aside from the loss of seniors in the long distance squad last year, the Jumbos also lost team captain Ash Weaver along with freshman Brian Lemieux, who transferred at the end of the year. Weaver was one of the team's most versatile athletes with great ability in sprinting, hurdling and jumping. Lemieux anchored the relay team with his incredible speed.
Since Weaver was a senior last year, Putnam was ready for his departure and able to recruit freshmen to help fill his role. The loss of Lemieux, though, came as a surprise and could hurt the team.
"He was a very prominent sprinter who left. We didn't recruit people in his area because we felt he could do the job," Putnam said.
Teammates agree that Lemieux's departure will be noticeable on the team.
"It's a big loss and a small loss," Devine said. "He was a great athlete and a true competitor and his presence on our relays will be missed. But we have enough talent to fill the gap."
Therefore, with strong young talent, and a relatively healthy team this season, Putnam is confident that his team will be able to impress. Despite their losses, the Jumbos look to have a more balanced attack this season.
"I really feel that this year's team is stronger than last years," Putnam said.
After a disappointing sixth place finish at the New England Div. III finals last indoor season, he hopes to finish in the top five this year. As long as his they remain healthy, team members are confident that they can do so.
The Jumbos will have a look at their new team's ability for the first time this weekend at a minor meet at Northeastern. Aside from this meet and one other, the majority of their scheduled meets will take place at home, which will cut down the team's travel time and allow for them to be more rested for their meets.
"Our biggest challenge this year is not finding good athletes or talent to compete with, but to unite as a team, remain injury free and run, jump and throw above what is expected of us," Devine said.
