Successful transition from cross country to track was revealed at first meet

After they concluded the first meet of the season in Lake Charles, Louisiana last weekend, the Nicholls State University women’s track team proved that they were able to make a successful, quick transition from the long runs of cross country to the shorter, more specialized runs of the indoor track season.

RACE RECAP

The Colonels showed they had come to compete when four women placed in the McNeese Indoor Invitational among other competitors from McNeese State University, Grambling State University, Southern University and Loyola University.

Some highlights included senior Hannah Naquin winning the 800-meter with a new personal best, freshman Eleana Calejas earning third place in the 800m and sophomore Maerys Joseph placing first in the 400m. Trailing close behind Joseph, senior Callie Skull took second place in the 400m.

COACH’S CORNER

According to head coach Stefanie Slekis, the transition from cross country to track is an enjoyable process for both the coach and her athletes.

“It’s really fun as we transition from cross country to indoor track because it’s kind of like our team reunites again,” Slekis said.

THE TRANSITION

Distance runners in the fall are mainly focused on competing in cross country meets. However, the athletes who compete in sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws rack up the practice hours.

In track season, both field and running events are combined and the team competes as one.

Indoor track provides distance runners the opportunity to complete in a variety of new races ranging from the 800m to the 5K. These events are more specialized than the standard 6K cross country distance.

FROM FIRST MEET TO LOOKING FORWARD

The team’s main priority is to promote individual improvement in specific events.

Slekis believes that if every individual can improve each weekend, they can earn a great result at the Southland Conference Championships in May.