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 Junior Laura Tieszen hopes to lead the Catamounts to the top of the SoCon standings this year in track and field. |
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Dec. 3, 2003
Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina men's and women's indoor track and field teams look to improve on last years team standings in the Southern Conference race. In 2003, the WCU men finished second and the women placed fourth overall. They will look to use experience gained from last season as a stepping stone to make a move upward in the coming season.
"We have had one of our best ever preseason programs," head coach Danny Williamson said. "The attitudes of all of our kids has been outstanding and their commitment to what we are asking them to do has been unbelievable."
On the men's side, WCU returns several All-SoCon performers that will provide great leadership for the team to make a serious run at a SoCon title. Seniors Justin Davis (jumps) and T. Alford (sprints), as well as juniors Milton Bolton (sprints), Jason Stepp (wt. events), Darius Bryson (sprints), James Irwin (middle distance), Deonte Cook (hurdles), David McCall (pole vault), Eddie Vick (middle distance) and multi event specialist Bobby Robinson, will provide leadership for a very talented group of young men. Look for big things out of sophomores Patrick Mauldin (sprints), Lawrence Briscoe (hurdles), Adam Puett (distance), Matt Decker (wt. events), Lamont Reid (jumps), Tyler Ferguson (jumps), Charleton Grant (sprints), and Christian Benson (pole vault). Two transfer student-athletes that could have an immediate impact for the Catamounts this season are James Barr (sprints) from Marshall and Wes Willoughby (pole vault) from Florida International. The squad also has a large freshman class that could lend a big helping hand in the success of the season.
On the women's side Western will look to make the move back to the top of the SoCon. There were four teams that all could have walked away with the title last year. Thirty points separated second and fourth place, which in this sport is not a great amount.
The WCU women return several All-SoCon performers as well. Leadership will come from seniors Dana Anglin (pole vault), Melanie Cooper (distance) and Alissa Short (distance), as well as juniors Leslie Martin (sprints and middle distance), Becky Signoretti (middle distance), Tonya Edmonds (middle distance), Laura Tieszen (pole vault/multi events) and Jennifer Spivey (sprints). Also back are sophomores Shameka Harris (sprints/jumps), Cassie Gentry (sprints), Tiffany Mack (hurdles/jumps), Miranda Long (wt. events), and middle distance runner Deanna Kulesz. The Lady Cats have a very talented group of newcomers to go along with these upperclassmen that can make this a very strong and competitive squad.
Just like last year, this season looks to be a four team race in the competitive SoCon with Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Chattanooga and Western Carolina all vying for the top team honors.
"We feel very good right now with the direction our program is headed in and the outlook and challenge in front of us for the upcoming season," Williamson continued. "Not only will we look to be at the top of the SoCon, but we will strive to get our top athletes to the NCAA National Championships."
The Catamounts open their indoor season this weekend as the team heads south for the Clemson Opener from Friday, Dec. 5, through Saturday, the 6th.
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