Track pushes on

After running from the competition at last weeks conference championships, Oberlin Track will send five members to the "Twilight Meet" at Baldwin Wallace, a warm-up before nationals.

The meet is a last chance for runners to qualify for nationals.

First-year Nzinga Broussard, who was also a standout on the women's basketball team this year, will compete in the 4 by 100-meter relay as well as the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

Broussard will join forces with junior Christiana Nwofor, junior Chamia Peterson and senior Amie Ely to try and shave .2 seconds off their near provisional record time.

Senior Gil Saenz will compete in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles, trying to qualify for nationals. Saenz is .8 seconds away from provisional time.

This year's Yeorunners blew away the competition, establishing 20 all-conference performances during the season. However, today's meet boasts stiffer opponents, including some division II competitors.

"There will be more competition in the nationals and it's better to run against people who will give us a fight," said Ely.

That task may be somewhat easier for Ely and Broussard, who were just recently named most valuable athlete and most valuable sprinter at last week's conference meet.

The Yeorunners will try to get a feel for the track beneath their feet, because nationals begin Thursday here in Oberlin. This should be a competitive meet, with opponents coming from five different states. Be sure to cheer on the Yeorunners next Thursday through Saturday as they compete at nationals.

Up n' over, baby: Senior Amie Ely practices. (photo by Wes Steele)