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February 15, 2005
Track aims for higher MIAC spring finish
The women’s track team returns a solid group this year, and joined with added numbers of new athletes, they hope to make a jump in team standings.
Led by co-captains senior Danielle St. Louis and junior Keidra Anderson, this year’s squad will have strong leadership to help lift them to new heights.
The distance-running squad will be one of the Pipers’ biggest strengths this season, with Anderson leading the charge. She took second place in the 5000-meter run last year (fifth indoors) and was an all-conference selection in cross-country last fall. Anderson also competed in the NCAA national championships for cross-country last fall.
Sophomores Lacee Schrupp and Melissa Francis also head the group of distance runners. Schrupp placed high at last year’s outdoor championships in the 1500-meter run and was an all-conference cross-country selection.
First-year distance runner Sara Burns has her coaches expecting great things from her this season. She was a state meet qualifier in the 800-meter run her senior year of high school and proved her talent immediately this season by winning the 800-meter run in her collegiate debut in the event.
The Pipers will also look for great things from multi-eventers Dana Luiken, Angie Asmus and St. Louis.
Luiken has improved steadily in the heptathlon, and Asmus has the ability to score in both the shot and javelin.
Amanda Jones and Heather Sublet highlight the team’s throwers. Jones qualified for the NCAA outdoor championships in the discus last season.
The talented St. Louis looks to continue her dominance in her senior year. She owns three conference titles in the high jump, qualifying for the NCAA national championships in both 2003 and 2004 (indoors 2003, 2004; outdoors 2003).
Hamline’s sprint core was weakened after the graduation of both Christine Walsten and Corrin Hoffman.
Walsten set three school records in the long jump, triple jump, and 100-meter dash, while playing a crucial role in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.
Hoffman, a distance runner, was also was a key runner on Hamline’s 4x400 meter relay team.
Hamline hopes to do well indoors and peak by the outdoor MIAC meet in May, looking to place in the top eight.
Hamline’s SID contributed to this report.
Posted by msveum at February 15, 2005 01:13 PM