2008 Woodie Awards
Busters prepare to hit indoor track
Tracksters look to first meet at Colorado Springs
Kristen Roderick
Issue date: 12/5/02 Section: Silhouette Sports
- Page 1 of 2 next >
|
With the semester almost over, all the 31 men and 18 women can do is work hard to prepare for the first meet, Jan. 24 at Colorado Springs.
"Right now we are lifting weights and running short distances," Jon Rorabaugh, head coach, said.
Melinda Bastian, Nassau, Bahamas, said that she is working on her skills in her many events.
"Now I'm focusing on my field and handling skills," she said. "With the javelin, I am improving my technique by working out and doing drills."
Bastain said her drills vary from a five step motion, stretching with the javelin, and doing holding drills.
Injury was a factor for the Cross Country team this year, but Rorabaugh is doing many things to help keep the track athletes from injury.
"Right now we are relying heavily on the training room," Rorabaugh said. "We just need to make sure that when athletes think they have little injuries, they hit the training room."
Bastain said she is working hard to avoid injury.
"I usually warm up properly," Bastain said. "Then I ice down. The best thing I can do is stay in shape."
The time spent with injuries can be a large factor for the Busters.
"I'd rather an athlete be out two or three days rather than two or three weeks," Rorabaugh said.
The upcoming break is a stressor for the team.
"Our biggest concern as of now is the long Christmas break," Rorabaugh said. "The [athletes] are going to train at home, but it's not the same as training here."
The first meet will be two weeks after winter break, so the Busters are waiting for the first semester to end the so team can actually work to compete.
"This is the hardest part of track, waiting for second semester," Rorabaugh said. "The team works hard, but they never get to compete."
With the season just beginning, Rorabaugh is concentrating hard on the athlete's grades.
"Right now, we're working on training and grades," Rorabaugh said. "As long as the athletes have good grades, we'll be fine."