Indoor track crosses the finish line Katz '09 and Brenes '09 conclude record-breaking season

Author: Robbie de Picciotto

Members of the Middlebury indoor track team traveled to Connecticut last Friday, March 3, for a meet hosted by Trinity that was held on Yale's campus. This was titled the "Last Chance" meet because it was the final opportunity for individual racers to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

First-year runner Jen Katz turned in successful races in both the 55m and 200m events with times of 7.52 and 26.26 seconds, respectively. She placed fourth in the 55m dash and won the 200m dash with a time that shattered her own school record. Katz's classmate and fellow racer, Jennifer Lee Brenes, ran her way to a sixth-place finish in the 55m hurdles with an impressive time of 8.91 seconds. Brenes admitted that she "was really nervous because qualifying for the NCAA's has been my personal goal all year." She believes that "each meet I got more and more courageous in my running, and more and more confident in myself," and gave credit to the track and field coach, Martin Beatty, for providing constant reassurance. Beatty proudly discussed how "terrific the freshman group" has been this year and he looks optimistically towards the future successes of the track and field team.

The Middlebury athletes who were able to race at Yale competed without the support of their team. Brenes stated that, "it was different not being able to cheer on the guys and having the guys cheering us on, but it was nice to get closer as girls. The atmosphere was really different but it helped me get to know some of my teammates better and was a good experience." Despite the individual competition present in track events, the encouragement of one's team is very important in giving racers an extra boost as they push for the finish line.

The lack of a fan base this past weekend made the meet even more challenging for the young Middlebury competitors. However, they worked hard all winter and ended up with striking results. More importantly, the individuals who went to the Last Chance meet gained confidence that they can carry into the upcoming outdoor season.

For the men, the hopeful relay team of co-captain Kevin Bright '06, Will McDonough '07, Patrick Swan '08 and Jimmy Butcher '08 finished just shy of the cut for the NCAA Championships with a time of 10 minutes and 28 seconds. The men's relay was incredibly competitive this year and these four individuals gave their best efforts in one last attempt to qualify for the national competition. Still, the dedication they displayed this winter will provide momentum heading into spring. Coach Beatty stated, "They are a great relay team and just didn't make it this time. They are even stronger outdoors, and should have better results this spring."

The men's track and field squad features three returning All-American performers. Kevin Bright '06 has been a competitive runner on the national scene, Steve Atkinson '06 has been outstanding in the javelin throw and Khristoph Becker '06 achieved the honor as a sophomore in the decathlon and as a junior in the javelin.

Coach Beatty recognizes the "really strong group returning, with a lot of strength out there in running, jumping and throwing." The team goal is to win a NESCAC division title, and with the important strides made during the winter season, the team is ready and excited to compete outdoors.