In a qualifying track meet in Alabama two weeks ago, junior Caroline Hulden and sophomore Cassie Jones both competed in distance races.
Although only two women ran, both made their presence felt at the meet.
“This was a qualifying meet and all of our women were not able to make it. The women did well in their races. Cassie ended up setting her own new record in her race. She improved her old time by 47 seconds and she really ran with some authority. Caroline’s time in the 800 meter time was a little slower than what she wanted, but it was still one of her best this season so far,” Matt Pantusa, head track coach, said.
Hulden ran a time of 2.13.95 in the 800 and 59.23 in the 400 meter race. The 800 meter run featured five heats and Hulden placed eighth in her heat, as well as eighth overall. That time resulted in her third best.
“I was very impressed because there was a lot of strong competition out there and our women held their own. For instance, most 800 meter races normally just have two heats. But this meet had five heats and these teams were pretty much from all around the country,” Pantusa said.
Hulden’s time in the 400 ranks her sixth on the women’s Colonel track list.
“I felt pretty good in my races. My 400 race could have been better, but I am steadily improving. The 800 race was very competitive. It was a good race, and I was in a fast heat. I got pretty tired in the end, but I am pretty happy with it. Even though I wanted to get a personal record, I was able to come away with my third best time,” Hulden said.
Jones placed fifth in the 10k run with a time of 38.24.27, setting a new school record.
“I felt strong throughout the race,” Jones said. “I am just trying to get better every race and continue to practice hard.”
The women took advantage of a two week layoff to rest and prepare for this meet. They will also have the opportunity to do the same for their next meet on April 11 in Baton Rouge.
“We have a meet this weekend, but Hulden and Jones will not compete because it is basically a ‘relay’ meet. That will only help them to get stronger. Going hard at practice is so different from the meet. At practice, they see what they need to get better at and how they want to attack their races. I am also pleased with the way they have been practicing. I know they are going to do well next weekend because of their preparations,” Pantusa said.
Hulden also does not mind the time off.
“Sometimes, I do want to run in meets every weekend because that gives me the chance to still have the previous races in my mind,” Hulden said. “But there is nothing like getting rest both mentally and physically. We can now use these extra days to push each other and get better.”
The women’s track team returns to action next weekend in Baton Rouge at the Pelican Relays.