With just two weeks remaining before the New England Div. III Championships, the men's and women's track teams have turned the focus towards qualifying runners for the postseason. Tufts hosts two consecutive Gantcher Center meets before the Feb. 15-16 New England meet.
"We need to focus more over the next 3 weeks," women's coach Kristen Morwick said. "We have a few people who are on the edge of qualifying right now and would score if they do what I know they can do."
Morwick's team has had successes in multiple areas so far in the young season. Junior co-captain Myriam Claudio and sophomore Jess Trombly are the team's strength in the sprints. Together they cover the 200m, 400m, and relays, while Claudio also runs the 55m dash and has brought the team points in the pole vault.
Sophmores Amy Spiker and Shushanna Mignott join junior Sarah Leistikow in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump, respectively. Emily Bersin handles the 600 and 400, which she completed in 1:00.50 at last week's meet. Freshman Katie Sheedy, sophomore Lauren Caputo, and seniors Colleen Burns and co-captain Lauren Esposito combine for a strong long distance contingent. In addition, freshmen Sika Henry, Ayako Sawanobori, Claudia Clarke, and Meghan McCarthy have made contributions in the sprints and relays.
The throwers have improved on a weekly basis, but the New England region boasts some of the nation's most talented throwers. Healy Thompson and Diane Williams from Williams were All-Americans in 2001, and Colby's Connie Beal as well as Jana Bromell of Wheaton will provide very stiff competition.
"The throws are extremely competitive, but one or two of our throwers could sneak in to the scoring if they keep improving," Morwick said.
When the New England meet arrives in two weeks, the Jumbos are looking for a top three finish. All four relays should score at the Div. III's, while more than 12 team members have qualified for the postseason meet. The team will have two weeks to enlarge that number.
The men's squad has had equally impressive performances, setting school records and qualifying some for Nationals.
"The meet this weekend is one of the most dynamic meets in Division III in New England," coach Connie Putnam said. "We're looking to accomplish as many qualifying marks as possible, some for Division III, some for Division I, and even some for NCAA."
Amongst the highlights of the season have been two National qualifiers in the 55m high hurdles. Junior tri-captain Greg Devine qualified in a time of 7.73, good enough for a school record. The record was fleeting, though - senior Bryan Pitko qualified for nationals by breaking Devine's record with a time of 7.71. Freshman Raynald Carre has finished the 600m 1:23.03 - he and Devine and junior Bryant Coen comprise a triple threat in the 400, all having posted times under 51. And the 4x400 team has clocked a time of 3:25.79, just a couple seconds off the National qualifying time.
In the distance events, senior J.R. Cruz qualified for New England's in the 3000m, and with a time of 8:45.66 is only two seconds off the national qualifying mark. Freshman Nathan Thompson leads both of the horizontal jumps with marks of 21' 7'' in the long jump and 41' 11.5'' in the triple jump. The throws are dominated by senior Chris Martin in the shot put and junior Adam Lukowski in the weight throw.
"Our team is very talented and has a fair amount of depth," Devine said, adding that "we're in a league and a competitive environment where there's always someone faster, stronger or better than you."
The women's confidence is high heading into the middle weeks of the season - so much so that Morwick said she's looking to a certain New England sports team for inspiration. "Like the Patriots and Bill Belichick, we need to trust the system and do what is best to achieve what we want in three weeks," she said. "Trust and belief in the team are what got the Pats to the Super Bowl...let's see what we can do."
