Central Michigan University Athletics
Season Heats Up For Chippewas
4/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Weather dictates performance many times in outdoor track and field, which is why Central Michigan women's track head coach Karen Lutzke would prefer her athletes to concentrate on competing, rather than hitting marks.
"If you go out there and compete at a high level, the rest will take care of its self," Lutzke said. "The wind and rain affects everyone differently, which is why its important to not worry about your times and marks early in the year."
This weekend, the Chippewas will travel to Ypsilanti to participate in the EMU Twilight on April 19. Schools from around the state of Michigan will participate, providing a good measuring stick to see where CMU stacks up with conference foes such as Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan.
"It gives us a good chance to see where we are at," Lutzke said. "We have four weeks left before the Mid-American Conference Championships, so we just need to concentrate on improving each week. You may not see it in terms of times or marks, but the improvement will show as the season progresses."
Last week, the Chippewas sent 23 athletes to the Sea Ray Relays, where a strong showing gave CMU a boost heading into the heart of the outdoor schedule.
Kelly McClure posted a time of 10:56.80 in the steeplechase to capture the title and Elizabeth Carpenter placed 10th in the event with a time of 11:39.93. Amanda Rudert was second in the 10,000m with a time of 38:25.27 while Emily Van Wasshenova was sixth in 40:47.42. Allison Jakubowski had the top finish in a field event placing eighth in the javelin with a heave of 131-6.
"Right now we're just asking for each person to give their best, and that's the same thing we'll be looking for at the MAC Championships," Lutzke said. "We just want everyone to be able to step in and do their best, because that's all you can ask for."
