Track and Field Off and Running

This past Saturday, Jan. 16, the University of Mary Washington men’s and women’s track and field teams laced up their spikes for the University of Maryland Invitational in Gaithersburg, Md.

The meet featured stiff competition from teams such as Christopher Newport University, Lynchburg College, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland and American University.

Although track and field will not compete for CAC titles until the spring, the Mary Washington squads have been training through the recent winter break and into the warmer weather leading up to their official spring season.

The meets that UMW will be competing in this winter include the University of Maryland Invitational. These events allow teams to capitalize on their individual training, experiment in different events, and further team progress.

“The teams were given workouts and training plans over winter break and Saturday’s meet was to see where everyone stood in their condition and fitness,” Head Coach Stan Soper said. “As an early season meet, I don’t expect everyone to be ready and at full strength. Our focus is getting ready for April 17 [2010], the outdoor CAC,” added Soper.

In any case, the track saw an assortment of outstanding performances on Saturday. Junior Thrower Matt Gellar placed second in the weight throw with a toss of 52 feet, 1.25 inches, and also finished fifth in the shot put with a toss of 46 feet, 4.75 inches.

Other noteworthy performances came from seniors Mo Yousuf, Matt Cash, Jeremy Burke, Juniors Sarah Dawes, Scott Matthiessen, Dan Piccolo, sophomore Chris Marino, freshmen Ali McClellan and Michelle Sutherland.

The Eagles will take flight again at their next competition, Jan. 30 at George Mason University.