Fresno State Athletics
Women's Track and Field Outlook
1/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
Building Castles in the Sand
Using the words of head coach Bob Fraley, "The triple and long jump events will be the two strongest events on the entire track and field team this season." A legitimate rationale, considering he returns junior Crystal Simmons and sophomore Jenny Moore to his arsenal of athletes. Simmons was the only female track and field athlete to earn a trip to the NCAA Outdoor Championships last season. Her provisional mark of 42-10 1/4 made her eligible to compete. She is the returning leader in both the triple and long jumper, posting the NCAA mark in the triple and turning out a 19-6 1/4 in the long, a mark good for seventh in the Fresno State record books. The triple jump mark is the best mark thus far in Fresno State history. Moore holds her own in both events as well, posting PRs of 39-9 1/2 in the triple and 18-0 1/2 in the long jump.
"Crystal Simmons is a very, very competitive athlete," said Fraley. "She has the potential to return to the NCAA meet and her versatility to compete on both the track and field is irreplaceable."
Raising the Bar
Fresno State didn't pursue a high jumper this season. However, both Simmons and Moore have proven themselves worthy of the task. Last season Simmons posted a second-best height of 5-3 1/4, while Moore was right behind her at 5-2 1/4.
Known for its pole vaulting tradition, Fresno State will again showcase several top WAC athletes in 2002. Leading the way for the 'Dogs is senior Bergann Hernandez, who vaulted to a personal and team-best 11-9 last season. Joining her are sophomores Lexine Lesser and Sarah Merino and freshmen Katherine Pacheco, Leah Horowitz and Veronica Garcia. Lesser finished third on the team in 2001 at 11-6 1/4, while Merino vaulted to 10-6 before sustaining an injury early in the year.
"The vaulters are a good, strong group of athletes," stated Fraley. "The newcomers have performed surprisingly well."
Keeping Up the Pace
According to women's sprint coach, Tanya Ehlert, the sprint team is a talented group, but spread thin. One example in particular is the 400 event, which will showcase one athlete, freshman Raynisha Bragg. Simmons will lend her legs to the event at times.
"As a freshman Raynisha is going to have to get to know the race quickly," said Ehlert. "She has high school experience, it's just a matter of going through the motions."
The 100 and 200 events have a little more depth and for the first time in several years the team has the potential to be final qualifiers in the WAC. Freshmen Ocie Parks and Crystal Philips will have the team on their shoulders and both have posted solid times early in the season.
"I look forward to seeing the two race," said Ehlert. "They have posted times near 11 seconds."
The distance events return American Junior record holder, sophomore Kara June. June, who also set the Fresno State record in the steeplechase last season, returns to defend her WAC crown. After one season of having the steeplechase as a NCAA event, June will have to shave time off of her season-best time of 10:53.83. June is also an 800 and 1,500-meter competitor. She led the team last season in the 1,500 at 4:38.10.
"She's ready to take the next step," said distance coach Shannon Lieder. "Kara has the ability and the will to reach the NCAA meet whether it's this year or next."
Joining her in the lanes will be seniors Olga Gutierrez and Stacy Esquivel, and freshmen Jennifer Tyler, Nicolin Neal, Courtney Stewart, Stacy Aurit and Megan Netzel. Gutierrez is the top runner in the 5,000 meters and she is coming off of a successful cross country season. Last year she clocked 17:51.99 and according to Lieder, will be the reigning force in the long distance events.
Once again Simmons is in the mix as she will a top competitor in the hurdles. The all-around athlete had a team-leading time of 14.36 in the 100-meter hurdles. Junior Mandy Hollister is the leader in the 400 hurdles, coming off a successful season with a PR of 1:02.00. The two women are not alone, as freshmen Joni Landau and Dominique Harper will be etching their place in Bulldog history.
Queens of the Ring
Back in action for the Bulldogs is senior April Wiechmann, who redshirted the outdoor season last year. She, along with senior Andrea Stelter, junior Jamie Farley and sophomore Kristin Schelir, will provide the shot put arsenal.
"All four shot putters have the ability to throw 45 feet or more," said throws coach Chris Campbell. "They have put a lot of work into their off season workouts."
The discus event welcomes back the 2000 WAC Champion, Wiechmann for her final season. Schelir was the team leader last season with a mark of 153-1. Farley wasn't far behind with a personal-best 151-2. In the hammer, Stelter leads the pack after she posted a distance of 175-1, which is third in Fresno State history. Farley backs her up with a fourth ranked Fresno State throw of 151-2. Finally, the javelin will feature NCAA provisional qualifier, senior Kayla Russum. She posted a personal and team-best distance of 155-4 last season. In addition, according to Campbell, Wiechmann and Schelir have the ability to score.
"Kayla has the potential to win the WAC in the javelin," said Campbell. "All three, including Wiechmann and Schelir are able to score at the conference meet."
What's In Store
Fresno State track and field has just three home meets this season, but all three are big-time events. Beginning with the Cal-Nevada Championships in late March, the Bulldogs will compete against the best athletes from California and Nevada. Last season members representing UCLA, California, Stanford, Humboldt and Fresno State were among the participants from 13 teams. Next up for the 'Dogs at home is the Fresno Relays, which is the following weekend, April 2-6. This spectacle is always an experience, one that showcases the stars of the future. The final home meet of the season is a quad-meet with Sacramento State, Cal State Bakersfield and UC Riverside, Saturday, April 27.
The Outdoor WAC Championships will be held at Rice University in Houston, Texas, May 15-18. The NCAA Championships will be held in Baton Rouge, La., May 29-June 1.
