Men’s track preview: sprinters deep, newcomers abound

Freshman Jeremy Webster was a state champion at Tabb High School in Yorktown, VA.

Success is often measured by how much work is put into a project, sport, or any endeavor undertaken by a person.

The Royals’ track team looks to be headed in the right direction.

EMU’s indoor squads began fall conditioning in September, going through rigorous training regimens to prepare for a season that was still months away. Now, with the first meet, held at Virginia Military Institute, only days away, the blue and white is ready to hit the ground running. The men and women are making their annual bid to topple track juggernaut Lynchburg and possibly raise an Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship banner above the basketball court.

With minimal losses to graduation and good incoming talent, this is a very real possibility. The men gave up ODAC champion hurdler and major point-scorer Adam Starks, who earned his degree and now resides outside Harrisonburg. Sprinter Kurt Sensenig transferred to Temple University.

First-year Jeremy Webster, who also ran cross country brings more speed to a deep sprint crew. Sophomore returnee Joey Franze, Lynchburg College transfer Matt Lam, Webster, Samuel Ajayi, Jason Hart, and former soccer player Arsene Tshidimu will all contribute in the 100, 200, and 400. The 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams look to repeat as ODAC champions as they were in the 2003 outdoor season with the return of multitalented Kai Orenic and the others mentioned above.

The distance and field corps are firing on all cylinders as well. Justin Hawkins laces up his spikes to shake things up once again. Kevin Beachy and Caleb Yoder return for a second season and have trained hard. They are joined by freshmen Tim Harder, Jason Troyer, and Pete Nelson, who all have ample experience and many miles banged into their legs. Harder was one of the top harriers on the cross country squad and looks to be a factor in the talented ODAC field.

Pole vaulters Luke Ross and Josh Smith fill the hole made when Josh Pachis opted for military service. Ross has a real chance to place high in conference . Smith backs up Ross with significant experience. Throwers Cliff Chrisman and Olof Olson face the tall task of college competition, but both are hyped and ready to go.

Overall the men’s track squad looks ready to run with the big dogs.