Muleskinner

Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: Sports

RUNNING WOMAN-- Jennies' Indoor track and field athlete Chelsea Luck competes in the MIAA Indoor Championships at the Multipurpose Building last month against Sarah Thurber of Pittsburg State. Luck placed fifth in the 60 meter hurdles at the NCAA-II Championships and recieved All-American honors.

With in indoor season in the past, the UCM Mules and Jennies' track and field teams prepares for the outdoor season to being. Kicking off the outdoor season the Mules and Jennies will head to Columbia, MO on March 30th and 31st to participate in the University of Missouri Relays.

The last indoor meet for the Mules and Jennies was the NCAA-II Indoor Championships in Boston, Massachusetts, where 42 teams battled it out to be on top.

On the first day of the two day tournament, Dan Raithel started the line of All-American finishes by placing 7th in the Men's Weight Throw. Along with Raithel, Chelsea Luck placed 5th in the Women's 60 Meter Hurdles, and Elise Johnson placed 6th in the 60 Meter Dash (Breaking the school record).

"I was pleased on the first day because everyone advanced," coach Kirk Pedersen said, "Dan's weight throw was a good way to start."

On day two, Bruce Williams, Dannon Abney, Kyle Brown, and Ryan Irvin took 7th in the Men's 4x400 Meter Relay, Johnson broke the school record again in the 60 Meter Dash with a faster time then the day before and placing 5th. Brittanie Roldan was 5th in Woman's Triple Jump, and Luck moved up in the 60 Meter Hurdles fishing 4th.

"I was impressed with all three of the women at the tournament," Perdersen said, "All three are sophomores and have never been to Nationals before; they showed much improvement from last year."

"Over all the Women had a great meet, and surpassed where they were placed before," Coach Kip Janvrin said, "the girls are still young though."

"The men had a good meet, everyone who went was All-American," said Perdersen, "I was happy, but not satisfied, and the Outdoor season brings time to improve."

UCM had five athletes that made All-American at the meet. However, the athletes are not the only ones who have had success this year. For the third straight year Coaches Pedersen and Janvrin were selected at MIAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Coaches of the Year.

"It's not about me or Kip, but about our athletes, it's not my award its UCM Track and Field's award," Pedersen said.

"It's a great reflection on the staff and athletes," said Janvrin, "we do not strive for it, but it is an honor to be recognized by my peers."

With the MIAA and NCAA behind the Mules and Jennies, the teams are headed for the outdoors.

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