Morwick's intensity leads to success

Kristen Morwick has headed the women's cross country and track and field programs for almost four years. On any given day depending on the season, she can be spotted leading a group of distance runners through the streets of Medford/Somerville, prowling around the Gantcher Center, or heading practice at the outdoor track.

"She is a great coach, very enthusiastic and encouraging of the team. She pushes you to put in a good effort and it pays off," said freshman Kate Makai, who just finished her first collegiate indoor season under Morwick and earned a fourth place finish in the 600 meter run at Div. III New Englands.

Morwick took over both Tufts programs for Branwen Smith-King in June 2000, as King moved up to be the Assistant Director of Athletics. Morwick had prior experience with the Tufts program, as she assisted King from 1990-96.

From there she went on to NESCAC rival Williams to head the cross country program. Highlights included four straight national championship appearances and two New England Coach-of-the-Year awards.

Morwick returned to Tufts as an accomplished head coach, and has added to her accomplishments during her four years here. She has coached two cross country individuals (Leslie Crofton LA '01 in 2000 and current senior quad-captain Lauren Caputo last season) to Nationals, though she has yet to duplicate the team success she produced with the Ephs.

As for track and field, Morwick considers last year's indoor and outdoor teams among her highlights, where the indoor team took second at New England's, while the outdoor team was second at NESCAC's and third at New England's. She also coached then-junior Jess Trombly to a third place finish in the heptathlon at Nationals.

As far as coaching goes, Morwick likes the atmosphere that a Div. III school provides.

"I like coaching Division III because athletes are hopefully here because they love sports and want to work hard to improve," Morwick said.

Morwick particularly likes coaching at Tufts because of its emphasis on academics and the "excellent facilities for track."

As far as her team goes, Makai appreciates the two sides to Morwick.

"She can be a lot of fun," Makai said. "She is intense on the track because it's necessary to the track mentality. The intensity helps us to perform better. But we can also have fun with her, and that is important, too."

For the upcoming spring season, Morwick is working toward two personal goals.

"I want to win NESCACs and send as many team members to Nationals as possible," Morwick said.