Track and field teams begin preparation for indoor season
By Sami Shelton
News Editor
The University of Indianapolis men’s and women’s track and field teams have begun general conditioning in preparation for the upcoming winter indoor track and field season.
According to sprint coach Giles Davis, the teams already have shown progress in the past weeks.
“Right now we are building a solid foundation for the spring season,” Davis said. “The teams understand the hard work it takes to be successful.”
This season the men’s team will look to 17 incoming freshmen, including freshman sprinter Ryan Masters, to contribute to the team effort. Masters competed in the Indiana High School Athletic Association State Track & Field Meet last year, placing second in the 100-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash.
In addition to the freshman class, the men’s team will return senior sprinter and national qualifier Anthony Flournoy.
“We are really excited about the incoming freshmen,” said head coach Scott Fangman. “We have 45 members on each team, which could be the largest team ever at UIndy.”
This season the women’s team will primarily be relying on returning letter winners. Senior national qualifying throwers Andrea Horban and Emily Schaf will return for the women ‘Hounds, as well as senior all-american distance runner LeAnn Sarka. The team also returns sprinters Nichelle Curtis,senior, and Shannon Smith, sophomore, and hurdlers Bathsheba Adams, senior and Krista Leffers, sophomore.
Though the pre-season polls have not been announced, Fangman said he believes his teams will fare well.
“Both the men’s and women’s teams should be ranked in the top 10 in the country,” Fangman said. “We are balanced. Going into a meet, we have someone competitive in every event.”
According to Davis, both teams are trying not only to win a GLVC championship, but to break at least three school records. The teams also hope to advance more athletes to the NCAA Division II Track & Field National Meet.
“Anything short of a GLVC title is failure to me,” said senior thrower Willie Little. “This year, we have the talent to bring home a championship.”
The ‘Hounds kick off the indoor season Dec. 8 at the Early Bird Invite at Illinois State University. The teams will begin the outdoor season March 22 at the Gerald England Invite at Key Stadium.
