Track and Field Gears Up for Season Opener

CLINTON, Miss. - The University of Dallas men's and women's track and field teams are set to open their season tomorrow at the Mississippi College "Old Things" Season Opener tomorrow, Saturday, March 4.  The event is set to host a total of 52 teams and 685 athletes representing a wide variety of divisions and associations.

There are lots of fresh faces on both teams, and this opening event will be a good benchmark for the two programs.  Man of the programs entered in the event have already had full indoor seasons, while the Crusaders have been doing their offseason training for the outdoor season.  The women's side will be distance strong, led by two-time NCAA Cross Country All-American Anna Wilgenbusch, who will have her eyes set on the school record in the 10,000 meters.  Grace Ebberwein will runs the 5,000 meters, and newcomer Alyssa Harris is expected to be strong in the 1,500 meters. 

Monica Voltin, Keila Juarez, and Caitlin Smith round out the newcomers, running the 800, the 800, and the 200 meter races, respectively.  Voltin could potentially see ehrself in the 1,500 instead, and it will likely be a meet day decision by head coach Nick Schneigert.  Kaitlyn Vess and Kaycie Willis will be the lone thrower on the women's side, both of them scheduled to do shotput.

On the men's side, Caleb Clayton will be returning to do the 1,500 meters.  Rory Henry will take part in multiple events: the 200, the 110 meter high hurdle, and the 400 meter high hurdle.  James Latour nd Nico Walz are both 10,000 meter specialists.  Sam McLard will be running the 200 meters, and freshman DeShaun Merritt is scheduled to do the 200 and 400 meters.

"This is our first meet of the season.  Mississippi College has historically put together great meets, especially a large distance field which will be great for my new athletes," said Schneigert.  "What is great about this meet is having a 10k this early.  Our sprinters and throwers will also be competing in large field.  Most of them just started this week, so it will be a great way for them to start off.  Coach Nguetta has been doing a fantastic job with them."