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Volume CXXXII, Number 14 |
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Trackin' to Maine
GRACE CHO
ORIENT STAFF
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| A pair of Bowdoin runners power their way through the race. (Hans Law, Bowdoin Orient) |
Bang! The smell of smoke permeated the air inside of Farley Field House, signaling the attack of the Bowdoin Women's Track and Field Team this past weekend. Runners, jumpers, and throwers took to the track in the last regular season meet of the season.
Competing against Tufts, Smith, Gordon and Springfield, the Bowdoin women had the motivation from a recent loss against Colby to place second among the four New England rivals. An assortment of results-including the setting of personal records, breaking of records, and qualifying for postseason races-filled the day with excitement and a fantastic showcase of racing.
Take the performance of senior captain Cait Fowkes for example. With a throw of 45', 11 1/4" in the weight throw event, Fowkes took first in the event and easily dominated the rest of the field. Fowkes' consistent improvement with each meet has placed her in a favorable position to qualify provisionally for indoor nationals in the upcoming meets.
Although sophomore Katie Walker does not have to stress about qualifying for nationals, she did so in her gutsy race in the 800-meter. Running against a tough field of seven other women, Walker used her superior strength to pass the finish line in 2:17.22, going well under the 2:19.00 provisional qualifying time for nationals.
Following close behind Walker was Emily Sheffield '06, who set a personal record of 2:21.15. Walker's and Sheffield's fast 800-meter times were just a few of the amazing middle distance and distances races of the day.
Another two of those amazing races came courtesy of Kala Hardacker '04. Doubling in both mile and the 1000-meter, Hardacker placed first and second respectively. In the 1000m run, Hardacker battled with national-caliber runner Marisa Clapp from Springfield.
Although Clapp had the speed in the 1000-meter to be victorious, Hardacker posed a strong challenge throughout the race, even after having ran an outstanding mile. Distance coach Julia Kirtland said of Hardacker's performance, "Kala had a great double. It is good to see her get her strength and speed back after a long string of injuries."
The final of the spectacular middle distance and distance performances again came from senior Libby Barney. With the shot of the gun, Barney ran the 3000-meter all alone with only one goal in mind-she was to break the school record. She did just that, as she passed the finish line in 10:08.22. Barney took a good eight seconds off the 13-year-old record of 10:16.
With steady improvements and a competitive drive, senior captain Acadia Senese believes the women will perform well entering in the postseason: "The women are ready for a strong showing this Friday for the Maine State meet." The Maine State Meet will take place at Farley Field House tonight at 6:00 p.m.
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