Track Goes the Distance at Conference Opener
By Joanne Sheng
Staff Writer

Both the men's and women's track and field teams enjoyed a strong showing at their first conference meet of the season. The men's team ran away with a 134-66 victory over Cal Tech, but was overcome 74-120 by La Verne; likewise, the female Hens pecked apart the Beavers with a final team score of 110-75 but were defeated by the Leopards 83-111.

The men's team was on track, placing 1-2 over Cal Tech in all but one running event. Opening with a strong performance for the Hens in the 3000m steeplechase was the recently ailing duo of Braden Boice '05 and Dan Shickich '05. Boice finished third with a 10:38.77, followed by Shickich in fourth place with a 10:53.20.

"My asthma was bothering me earlier in the year," commented Shickich, "but I expect that things will be getting better soon."

Crosby Freeman '06 screamed through the 5000m with a winning time of 15:26.94, over a minute faster than his closest competitor. Mowing down the 400m hurdles was Joey Cappola '05 with a close third place finish of 57.38. Both marks were season bests for the runners.

On the field, Ty Bundgaard '06 returned to form with a 6'4" high jump. Mark Melief '05 followed with a leap of 5'6", later landing himself third place in the pole vault after a soaring 12' performance.

Going the distance with seasonal personal records in the long jump were Matt Zay '04 and Chris Snipes '04. Both men flew past the competition with jumps of 20'1" and 19'9" respectively, placing them 1-2 against Cal Tech. Snipes' versatility on the field was evident as he went on to gain points for Pomona-Pitzer in the discus, hammer, and shot. Zay also performed exceptionally well in the triple jump, matching his lifetime best and placing second overall.

Remarking on the men's overall performance, Head Men's Coach Pat Mulcahy said, "We had a very solid effort and I am excited to see what this team can do in the future."

Powerful performances on the women's side also indicated the team's promising potential. Susie Roley '04 had a fantastic meet; she set a personal record of 5:04.56 in the 1500m, followed only a few minutes later by a strong fourth place finish in the 800. Stefanie McDougall '04 conquered the 800 with a 2:23.94. Ann Prouty '05 ran the 1500m with a winning time of 4:54.5 and also claimed third in the 800 with a 2:25.28.

The Pomona-Pitzer women's field events were also well represented. Raketa Ouedraogo '05 dominated the hammer with a winning throw of 128'11". Gre'Juana Dennis '03 was a force to be reckoned with in the long jump, placing second and improving more than a foot from her previous personal record.

"We competed very well in terms of improved effort level. I am pleased that the team performed with more intensity," observed Head Women's Coach Kirk Reynolds.

Both teams will be competing at the CSU Fullerton Invitational this weekend at the Cal State Fullerton Sports Complex.