Indoor Track season kicks off

The EMU Indoor Track and Field season is underway and in full force. On Saturday, January 21 the Royals competed in the Maryland Invitational, their first meet since returning from Christmas break.

Leading the way for the Royals at the Maryland Invitational for the men was junior sprinter Jeremy Webster. Webster broke the school record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.17 seconds. Another high point for the Royals was junior Marcel Long's performance in the 800 meter run. Long ran a time of 2:00.17. On the women's side, senior Megan Mlinarchik, led the way with a 5th place finish in the pole vault clearing the bar at 10'4". Sophomore distance runner Deb Keiser also set a personal best in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:32.73. These early season performances will be building blocks for another strong season for the EMU track team.

The men's team is looking to improve on last season's 2nd place ODAC finish. Webster, an All-American sprinter, will lead the Royals once again. Webster is coming off a sophomore season in which he achieved All-American honors in the 200 meter dash, finishing 7th in the nation. A key addition to the team this season is transfer thrower Nate Turner. Turner, who has already qualified for nationals in the shot put with a throw of 52 feet, 1 inch, will be counted on in the throwing events. Seniors Joey Franze and Michael Yoder will be key jumpers who are both looking to improve on last year's conference finishes. The distance crew will be led by senior Kevin Beachy. Beachy, who missed the 2005 track season because of cross-cultural, is looking to build on an outstanding fall cross-country season.

The women's team is geared up to improve on last season's 3rd place ODAC finish. The women also return an All-American, senior Megan Mlinarchik. Mlinarchik was named All-American after finishing 4th in the nation in the pole vault. The distance team is again looking strong with Kendra Nissley, Deb Keiser, Leslie Grant, and Kara Glick leading the way. Throwers Dominique Hull and Chelsea Lawhorn will be added to the already strong throwing combination of Amanda Renalds and Becky Hoover. A number of newcomers will be counted on in the sprints and jumps as well. Kelsey Yoder, Tara Altizer and Sarah Ramer will join sophomore Tezzia Ndandula in the sprints. With all the new faces and strong returning athletes, this upcoming season promises to be exciting and successful.