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Warriors' young track team takes their mark
By Tanner Froese
J-Lab Staff Writer
Beginning its first year of being officially funded by the college, the track team seeks success based upon a strong nucleus of experienced upperclassmen and a rising number of freshmen.
“What makes this team unique from last year is the fact that we are now funded by the school and are joined by seven to eight more individuals to compete for us,” Head Coach Norm Berney said. “In addition to our long and mid-distance events, we have now added the short relay, 100 and 200 meter, and hurdles.”
Eleven freshmen have joined the team, including Bianca Davis, who brings her speed in short distances to the team.
“We are excited to see what Bianca can do,” said Brent Fahsholz, first year assistant coach. “She could be very competitive with what the best have to offer in our conference.”
David Anderson and Ben Search will also compete for the team in each of their respective events, hurdles and mid-distance. Both were high placers at state while participating at the highest classification in high school.
“The thing I am looking forward to the most this season,” Search said, “is the change from high school to college and going against some amazing runners.”
A young athletic program, the track team was begun about four years ago by Berney, who also doubles as coach of the cross country team. At first, the team was a recognized club team only with the purpose of allowing cross country members to compete in NAIA track events during the spring. All costs and funds for the track squad had to come from the cross country budget.
Last January, the team’s proposal of becoming an official college athletic program was accepted. A gradual three step-process was included in the proposal for the implementation of the track and field team. The three phases, hopefully incorporated in three years, are distance, sprints, and field events. Last season was distance, while this year will be sprints, and next year field events.
This year the team includes not only many freshmen, but also a core of very experienced and successful runners from last season. Five girls placed on the all-conference team last season, including Danielle Jordan, who finished third in the conference in the 5k.
“Jordan is a great competitor and runner,” Berney said. “She brings a good deal of experience and knowledge to the team. We hope to see her compete at nationals this year. ”
On the men’s side, Ben Snell, Brian Beeson, and Jason Bernard all return and look forward to the coming season while improving on last season’s success.
“Since we’re a young team, not much is expected from us,” Snell, a captain last year, said. “Our goal this year is to turn some heads.”
Although a growing program, the team’s main concentration will be having as many runners compete at nationals and building upon last year’s improvement.
“It is very difficult to compete for a conference title against teams like Eastern Oregon who has a full-fledged track and field program,” Berney said. “However, we can set a goal of sending as many individuals to nationals in Missouri. But it will take a lot of hard work and dedication from the members on the team.”
