For the second week in a row, the University of Indianapolis men’s and women’s track and field teams returned to the Athletics and Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, to host the Tom Hathaway Challenge. Seven Greyhounds set NCAA provisional marks during the challenge, led by junior LaTisha Martin, who not only set a provisional mark, but also a new school record by finishing in the 400-meter dash with a time of 56.82.
The Greyhounds competed the weekend before in the UIndy Relay Open on Feb. 8 in the ARC. During the open, the Hounds set six NCAA provisional marks.
Junior Camille Edwards claimed a mark and set a school record by finishing the 60-meter hurdles in 8.68 seconds. In women’s shot put, junior Farin Hickman took a mark at 13.47 meters and claimed another by throwing 17.83 meters in women’s weight throw. Senior Tatiana Zhuravleva also took a mark in the weight throw with a length of 16.92 meters.
For the men, seniors Shane Wyant, Josh Bridwell and TJ Lovejoy achieved provisional marks in shot put by throwing 16.07, 16.03 and 15.92 meters, respectively. Lovejoy also took a mark in the weight throw by a length of 17.39 meters.
In the sprints, sophomore Josh Bass placed third in the 200-meter dash and second in the 60-meter dash. For the women, Martin placed first in the 400-meter dash with a time of 58.05.
Martin said she was satisfied with her performance.
“I feel good [about my performance] because I’m a lot stronger this year,” she said. “I feel like I’m running better than I ran the past two years.”
Junior Kyle Schwartz, who has found success early this year, said he was excited to have achieved an NCAA provisional mark at the Taylor Invitational on Feb. 1.
“It [claiming a mark] feels awesome. After coming so close [at] the first track meet,” Schwartz said. “… It was basically me against the clock.”
Schwartz said that he sees the possibility for both teams to do well this season.
“We’ve got a lot of people stepping up,” he said. “They’re practicing harder [and] competing harder.”
Head Track and Field Coach Scott Fangman said although he feels the performance by both teams in meets so far has not been too strong, he is quite pleased with the work of the student-athletes.
“I emphasize great attitude [and] great effort, and we hope it equates into a great performance,” Fangman said.
Martin agreed and said she believes that positive attitude and effort are necessary to make any progress.
“If your mind’s not in it, then you’re not in it,” Martin said.
According to Fangman, the Greyhounds have pretty basic goals for this season: a conference championship and a top ten national ranking. Fangman said the athletes are putting forth the energy to make these goals possible.
“We’re getting the progression that we need,” Fangman said. “People who need to be improving are.”
Martin is optimistic about this season and said that she is improving and working towards her own individual goals.
“I feel like I’ve had a better season starting off this year,” Martin said. “… I just want to run my personal best.”
According to Fangman, he does not place much value in winning. Instead, he said that he focuses on the athletes’ overall effort.
“All of our kids … are improving, and that means we’re doing everything right,” Fangman said.
Overall, win or lose, Fangman said that he is proud of his team.
“Anything that happens will not come from a lack of effort,” he said. “I don’t know what more a coach can ask from his [or her] team.”
Both teams will compete this Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Purdue Invitational at a time yet to be announced.
