Oklahoma State University Athletics
Women Open 1999 Indoor Track & Field Season
June 21, 1999 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
January 14, 1999
STILLWATER, Okla. - As the heart of the indoor track & field season kicks off the Oklahoma State Cowgirls will travel to Manhattan, Kan. on Friday for the Wildcat Invitational.
With the start of the new season the Cowgirls are entering their first scored meet of the season after a strong performance at the University of Oklahoma All-Comers Meet back on Dec. 5.
"We are looking to be the top half of the Big 12, that's something we did a couple of years ago and last season we took a couple of steps back," says Head Coach Catrina Acosta. "I think we are more than capable of being in the top half as a team in track & field."
With the return of junior, two-time All-American Sherita Jackson the Cowgirls sprint squad will try and revert back to 1997 form. One of the top sprinters in the country Jackson, will try and improve on a 4th place finish in the indoor 200m at nationals and an impressive career.
The influx of top freshmen makes this group an exciting prospect for the 1998-99 season.
"The sprint team has probably the best recruiting class we've had in the last couple of years," says Acosta. "Stephani Duff, Tiffany Davis and Monique Davis all of these kids are very good in the short hurdles.
Krystal Beamon returns as well. A former Big Eight Champion in the 4X400m relay and a Big 12 semifinalist in the 55m in the.
NaTasha Santee is coming off a strong off season and will be looked to for scoring in the 400m.
After earning All-American honors during the 1998 cross country season Hanna Smedstad will try and lead her track & field team to nationals just as she did in cross country.
"Hanna Smedstad is a champion and a very focused individual . She is a team leader that wants to do great things. She will do anything to help everyone else on the team," says Acosta.
"The distance squad contains some very speedy people right now. We are just getting sparse when it comes to the 5,000m and 10,000m. We need more people in that area.
The Big 12 cross country "Newcomer of the Year" Alexandra Lindquist has exploded onto the scene and is making a strong statement in 1999. She will be shooting for Big 12 titles in the 800m and 1500m.
Andrene Thompson will once again be a strong contender in the 800m. She just missed Big 12 championships last season and should be right in the mix of things this season.
"She is such a gifted athlete," says Acosta. "Andrene (Thompson) is someone who could go to the next level. I don't think she even realizes the amount of potential she has."
Others expected to contribute include Tamara Dingley, and former NAIA Champion Melissa Haaroff.
The emerging throws squad will be a major contributor on the scoreboard this season with a wealth of new talent.
Nancy Guillen brings international experience to the Cowgirls and should provide leadership as she competes in the javelin and weight throw. Andrea Holloway, a freshman from Russell, Kan. who set a Cowgirl record in the shot put at the OU All-Comers meet is another strong prospect for OSU. Vanessa Wilhelm will also be looked to during the 1999 campaign.
"Nancy Guillen is much more mature than anyone else and she knows exactly what she wants," says Acosta. "She is very much a leader, it's very hard to make someone a leader as a freshman but she is an older student and she is really getting after it."
"Andrea Holloway and Vanessa Wilhelm were highly recruited athletes. I think they will have tremendous potential at the national level as soon as they mature."
Nikki Roady and Karen Rademeyer should also put points on the board for the Cowgirls in 1999.
Headlining this group is sophomore Megan Robbins who, as a true freshman walk-on hit the provisional qualifying mark for the NCAA's a year ago. Even more will be expected this year as she improves.
"Megan Robbins is a tremendous athlete, we are expecting her to step up and do amazing things," says Acosta. "She is just a jump away from making some real noise around the country. She should qualify for nationals and anything can happen after that."
In the Triple Jump Melinda Jackson should be a consistent scorer and could possibly make a run at a conference title.
"Melinda (Jackson) is another person to keep your eye on. She will be a key for us this season," says Acosta.
"Megan Toole did an incredible job for us in the high jump last season and we expect even more this season. She understands a little more about what this level is all about."
