The men and women’s track and field teams are primed to sprint into the 2003 season with a strong foundation of experience and talent.
Though not plentiful in numbers, the team is ready to seriously compete in track meets this semester.
“The lack of having a big team may hurt us as far as scoring many points at the meets, but our runners and fielders are focused and excited at the opportunity to break school records and personally improve,” Matt Pantusa, head track coach, said.
The Colonels will have a strong sense of leadership coming from seasoned runners such as seniors Theron Smith, Farren Clark, Troy Alvarado, Tex Winters and junior Caroline Hulden.
Sophomore runner Shannon Cox, who competed in the Jeff Davis Bank Invitational in Lake Charles this weekend, said she was pleased with her performance.
“I had a good start in the eight hundred meter run and pretty much felt that I had improved throughout the race overall,” Cox said.
Because of Title IX rules, Nicholls decided to cancel men’s indoor track and field in order to make Nicholls more gender equitable.
“Instead of the men having meets in January for indoor track and field, we will now prepare to get ready for our meets in March,” Pantusa said.
Although there is no indoor running for the men and the women have a small team, the Colonels plan to use these elements to their advantage.
“Our men’s runners will use the absence of indoor to practice harder, rest and get stronger in their respective events,” Pantusa said.
“Our women’s runners will use the indoor meets as a measuring stick for improvement. The excitement of team speed is evident among the men Colonels.”
The Colonels are looking to prove themselves to everyone this season.
“We have not yet established our relay teams, but we are very confident in the speed that we possess,” Smith said.
Pantusa said he expects the Colonels to be very competitive due to the closeness of the team.
“The team is developing the type of chemistry and work ethic that usually results in a very successful season,” Pantusa said.
The overall vibe from the team is one of poise, confidence, and expectancy.
“We have a bigger mens team this year and that only adds to the excitement,” Pantusa said.
With a strong set of men’s sprinters returning this season, Pantusa has high expectations.
“This is expected to be a strong year for our sprinters. Unfortunately, we do not have many distance runners, but they have the drive and experience to hold their own. Our strength lies in speed races such as the eight-hundred meter run, hurdles, and the four-hundred on down,” Pantusa said.
“With the speed of our sprinters, the steadiness in our distance, and our potential in field events, we are set to open some eyes this year.”