Jan. 29th’s meet proved to be a positive step for the indoor track team. As they start out their 2005 season, Coach Winston Kenton has 37 men and women out for the sport, a huge boost in their numbers compared to last year with only 10 athletes.

Heather Harris, a former all American, qualified for the national meet at their first meet, the Jayhawk Invitational, throwing 44 feet 8 inches in the shot-put, also ranking her third in the nation.

Other athletes who Kenton noted performed well were Ebony Philips in the 60 meter dash, triple jump and long jump; Marcus Rivera in the long jump; Nic Means and Karl Brown in the 600 yard; Andrew Draut and Chris Dalton in the 800 meter as well as Beth Rutherford and Rachel Komarek in the pole vault.

Kenton said, “We got the jitters out of the way; now we’re ready to compete and build on our first meet.”

Even though the indoor season is much shorter, only containing the Jayhawk Invitational and two other meets in February, it is a crucial time for the team. It is a time for them to focus on individually getting better. There are indoor nationals to work toward at the end of the season; however, Brenna Powers said, “Right now we’re training and getting in shape ultimately for the outdoor season.” Nic Means also added, “Everything we do is to build up for the conference meet in May and our goal of winning.”

The main difference that can be seen between the indoor and outdoor season is the actual size of the track. The indoor tracks are only 200 meters, while the outdoor tracks are 400 meters. They are the same races, only more laps.

Kenton thinks that track at Friends this year has made a change for the better. “If you’ve been a fan of Falcon track in the past, you will see a noticeable difference this season, a positive difference.”

Overall the mood of the track team this year seems to be one of optimism and excitement. “This year there is much more of a team atmosphere. Everyone’s getting pumped and positive. That’s definitely different from last year,” Powers said.