The Sophian

Issue date: 4/13/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Courtesy of Smith Athletics McKane Sharff '07

It is that time of year again! The sun is out, the flowers are blooming and the Smith Track and Field team has taken the show outdoors.

The team has competed in two meets with two more ahead of them before the NEWMAC Championships on April 29. They have done an impressive job so far, qualifying six athletes -- four in individual events and one relay team-- for the NCAA Division III New England Championships in the first meet alone. At the Williams Relays on April 8, they also had a strong showing with five athletes earning individual points.

The tracksters have also been fortunate to be lead by three veterans, Tri-Captains McKane Sharff '07, Katie Walters-Krohn '06 and Liz Kelly '06. Track and field coach Carla Coffey is pleased with their performance and noted, "This group is heading up our respective throws, distance and sprint corp. and providing great leadership by example and via their performances for our first--years and returnees."

This year the team has had to recover from the graduation of seven influential seniors last year. However, they have not lost any sleep over this fact. Sharff said, "We have a small team, but we are strong."

Coach Coffey explained that there are advantages to having a smaller group of athletes. "It provides me the opportunity to get too know the athletes better and really work on the mental and physical aspects of competition. It should be noted that while size is important, it is the quality of the ability of the athletes that is a key ingredient for the success of our team," she said.

Standout players this season are expected to be: Sharff in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and the 4x100 meter relay; Ebonie Tellmon '08 in the 100 meter dash and 4x100 meter relay; Melody Benloss '07 in the 100 meter dash; Patti ReBull '06 in the 100 meter hurdles; Caitlin Ritchie '09 in the javelin and 4x100 meter relay; Sue Jensen '06 in the pole vault; Walters-Krohn in various throwing events; Claire Edwards '09 in the long jump and 4x100 meter relay; and Kelly, Nora Young '09 and Alison Cloutier '08 in the distance events.

All three captains are looking to qualify for the NCAA National Championship in their respective events, and overall the team wants to keep improving and stay healthy through the season. Walters-Krohn added, "As a team we would like to have a solid showing at conference and have everyone perform to their best ability."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools