Central Michigan University Athletics
Season Preview: Youth Key to Chippewas Success
1/8/2013 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
MOUNT PLEASANT - Entering the 2012-13 season, the women's team looks to gain experience for its youthful roster. The roster of 48 athletes features just six seniors, eight juniors and 34 sophomores and freshman, which make up approximately three-quarters of the roster. While the Chippewas did graduate three school record holders in 2012, the team's lone All-American, sophomore javelin thrower Milica Kulidzan, still has three years of competition remaining with the team.
All-American Kulidzan Returns
After having one of the biggest success stories of 2012, sophomore Milicia Kulidzan looks to defend her school record in the javelin with a mark of 154-10, which earned her NCAA All-American honorable mention. As she prepares for the outdoor season, senior Kayla Brindley and sophomore Kyla Walworth will continue during the indoor season to solidify the throwing corps. A host of freshmen will join them, with several competing in the weight throw and hammer throw, events in which the Chippewas did not field student-athletes in 2012.
Turk to Lead Young Sprinting Corps
Despite losing 100m-dash school record holder Dierra Riley and the top shorts sprint of the 2012 season, Kirlene Roberts, the sprinter corps looks to be the deepest women's event. Junior Shawntoreah Turk, a 400m-dash specialist, returns as the most decorated female returner, having scored at both the MAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships in 2012. She will have competition from teammate, sophomore Ravyn Baxter, who bested Turk on several occasions throughout the 2012 season. Sophomore Diamond Hamilton emerged in 2012 as the top 200m-dash competitors for the Chippewas, and will challenge for the top 100m dash spot as well. Junior Kelsey Ritter will add depth this season, and a half-dozen first-year runners look to make an impact as Baxter and Hamilton did in 2012.
Depth Key for Distance
Another deep group of athletes for the Chippewas will be those competing in the distance events. Junior Krista Parks, this fall's top cross country runner, and senior Maddie Ribant, 3,000m steeplechase school record holder, look to lead the young group this season. Parks assumes the top spot in the indoor 3,000m and 5,000m indoor runs, replacing Raeanne Lohner and Holly Anderson from 2012- two of the top runners in 2012. A combined 12 very talented freshmen and sophomores look to add depth here as well.
High Hopes for Hurdles
After a breakout year in 2012, sophomore Bridget Doughty looks to improve on her third place finish in the 400m hurdles at the MAC Outdoor Championships, which qualified her for the 2012 NCAA East Preliminaries. In the indoor season, Doughty will compete in the 60m hurdles, and build her endurance by competing in the 400m-dash, and/or the 4x400m relay. Also returning for the Chippewas are senior Tamica Harbour, who scored in the 2012 MAC Outdoor Championships, junior Megan Heffner and sophomore Emma Fishnick.
Youth to Carry Jump Squad
The Chippewas did not score points in jumping, vaulting, or multi-event competitions during the MAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships in 2012, which is something the 2012-13 team is looking to change. Most veteran among the group are senior multi-event competitor Emily Dienhart, senior jumper Misha Lamphere, junior jumper Heffner, junior jumper Sam Stein and junior vaulter Kelly Morrissey. They will be balanced by a group of freshmen who will step in and add depth in such events as the long jump and triple jump.
Chippewas Face Competitive Schedule
In the 2012-13 indoor season, the Chippewas host the CMU Open on January 11 to start off the New Year. They also return home on Friday, Feb. 15 to host the Jack Skoog Meet. Both meets will be held at Jack Skoog Indoor Track at the Indoor Athletic Complex. For the rest of the indoor season, the Chips look to stay in the Midwest, competing at Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Grand Valley State, and Eastern Michigan. The MAC Indoor Championships are being held at Eastern Michigan on February 22. The Chippewas are also anticipating a competitive outdoor schedule. They will host the Lyle Bennett Open on Saturday, Apr. 27 at the Lyle Bennett Track. The Chips will travel to the University of South Florida, Stanford, Oklahoma, Michigan State, Texas, Louisville, Western Michigan, and Akron. The University of Akron will also be the host of the MAC Outdoor Championship on May 9.
