The upcoming track and field season will provide a fresh start for Ottawa athletes this spring.
As the beginning of the track season draws closer, some members of the team will be looking to excel in the indoor circuit before the outdoor season breaks into full swing.
Freshman Hayden Meersman is in his first season as an Ottawa sprinter, and his second season as a track athlete.’ Last season his 4X100 meter dash team at Paola took sixth place in the state meet while he individually place 14th in the 100 meter.
‘I’ll be looking forward to running indoor,’ Meersman said.’ ‘I’ll be running the 60 meter dash, which I’ve never ran before.’ It should be interesting.’
Head track coach Kirk Wren says there is an important factor weighing in on whether OU will have a chance to compete indoors, though.
‘Weather plays a big part because we don’t have an indoor track,’ Wren said.’ ‘We’ll just have to see.’
Coach Wren said he will be looking for all team members to have a positive impact and improve this season.
A few returning athletes that did well last year would include Sophomore Clarence Anderson, Courtney Harris, Hilary Bruce and Junior Kylie Covey.’ Anderson was the league champion in the 200 and 400 meter races, while Harris broke the school record in the javelin throw.’
Bruce was four seconds away from qualifying for the NAIA National Track and Field Meet in the 5000 meter race, while Covey won the 100 meter in the KCAC Conference Meet.
Covey had knee surgery after last season and hopes to bounce back this year and pick up where she left off, but still have fun and enjoy the team.
‘I love hanging out with our team,’ Covey said.’ ‘We have a fun group in a laid back atmosphere.’
Wren said the team is currently working out on its own right now, with mandatory practices beginning Feb. 1.
‘We have self-determination this year, which is good,’ Wren said.
The first indoor track meet will be the Missouri Valley Invitational, held at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 in Marshall, Mo