2008 Track & Field Season Preview
January 09, 2008 | Track & Field
As
“Excitement best describes our state of mind,” says head coach Randy Heisler, who was named to the post in January of 2007. “With the anticipation of where the team is currently -- and where we believe we can go -- we are optimistic and looking forward to the season.
“My goal as head coach is to develop our team to a level that every year we are in a position to vie for Mid-American Conference Championships and advance as many individuals to the NCAA Championships as possible.
“The expectations of the University's Administration, as well as the coaching staff, is to do everything possible to provide an environment that gives our student-athletes the opportunity to succeed both in athletics, as well as in the classroom.”
Heisler and assistant coach Sunder Nix represented the
The Pan American,
“When looking to the 2008 seasons, we are encouraged not only by the quantity of returnees and the addition of the freshmen class, but also with the quality of our very young team.”
Distance
Four of last season's top five runners return to form the nucleus of a very strong distance crew. Ali Bishel, Sarah Kehe, Vanessa Gilbert, Kelsey Nielsen, Lisa Arrowsmith and Brittany Ade all return from last year and all are sophomores, with the exception of Gilbert who is a junior.
Ali Bishel led the Cardinals in every cross country meet in 2007. Bishel's accomplishments during cross country season include being named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country All-Region Team as well as a First Team All-MAC selection.
Bishel is currently fifth on the all-time BSU track and field top ten record list (indoor) in the 3000-meter run with a time of 9:53.99.
Senior Laura Bandy will join the distance crew for the 2008 season. Bandy is also a member of the
“Young, but experienced is how I would describe our distance group,” Heisler says. “They have the ability and I believe they will really take advantage of the opportunities in front of them this season.”
Sprints / Hurdles
Voni Ferguson, Katie Johnson, Jenna Schmitmeyer and Christina Whitt all return with the expectation -- and ability -- of winning MAC titles in their events.
The addition of freshmen Ra'Jae Marable, Brandi Robinson, Natashia Baskin, Lindsey Peterson and Megan Bevans will add depth as well as the ability to score additional points from the sprint / hurdle group.
The Cardinals will be without Amber Williams as she will redshirt during the 2008 season. Williams is training for the Olympic trials held this July in
Jumps / Multi Events
Both Terri Abraham and Amanda Barnhart will return this season after having to redshirt due to injuries a year ago.
The addition of freshmen Kathleen Branson, Lindsay Bangert, Tekla Lorenz and Shannon Sullivan will help solidify an already strong group of returnees.
“Lauren McNichols, Cara Reedstrom, Katy Robbins and Lanae Stovall are all on the verge of major accomplishments at the conference level,” Heisler says.
Throws
After redshirting in 2007, Cara Collins returns for her senior campaign with school records in her sights.
Collins is currently fifth in the weight throw (indoor) and in the shot put (outdoor) on the all-time BSU track and field top ten records list.
“In addition to Collins, sophomore Tyra Schantz will make an impact in the MAC this season by competing in both the discus and the hammer throw,” Heisler says.
Freshmen Lauren Cleaver and Jordan Puckett will add depth for the program.
“Overall our goal for the upcoming season is to improve on last season's conference finishes and put ourselves in a position to battle for MAC Championships.
Players Mentioned
