Oklahoma State University Athletics
2006 Cowgirl Track and Field Outlook
January 29, 2006 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
Even though the
The Cowgirls also look to continue the success in shot put after the graduation of Halee Prickett, an NCAA All-American.
Distance Events
With the return of two NCAA qualifiers, the Cowgirl distance runners hope to build off previous successes in 2006.
Leading the charge will be sophomore Mary Davies, an NCAA All-American in the 10,000-meter race at last year's NCAA Outdoor Championships. Sophomore Eva Tomankova is a strong runner that will give OSU added support in the distance events. The remainder of the Cowgirl roster is filled with young athletes with immense potential. The 2006 season will give the promising newcomers a chance to gain experience that include freshman Nina Andersson and junior Eva Slavikova.
Coming off a tremendous cross country season, the Pokes will fly under the radar screen for the 2006 indoor season, and look to return to brilliance once the temperatures rise and the competition moves outdoors.
Head Coach Rene Sepulveda believes that a low-key approach will pay off once the outdoor season gets underway.
“After our runner-up finish at the Big 12 Cross Country Championships and finishing 10th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, we need to rest,” said Sepulveda. “I want to focus on the outdoor season.”
Sepulveda plans to hold back Davies, and will redshirt the up-and-coming phenom, Anissa Angesolante. The
During the outdoor season, Davies will look to lower her 10,000-meter personal best of 33.31.98 from last season. Another personal best time that ought to tumble is the
Jumping Events
The era of jumps coach Zivile Pukstiene seems to be underway following the addition of four quality jumpers. The Cowgirls will be rich in new talent and enhanced by two returnees. The
Leading the group is the talented Lithuanian Junior Zivile Siksnelyte, who comes in with jumps of 20' 5.15” (6.27-meters) in the long jump and 41'0” (12.50-meters) in the triple jump. The team will also welcome newcomers Mateja Posavec from Croatia, and South African Moira Steyn.
Posavec has a personal best of 40'7.5” (12.42-meters) in the triple jump. Steyn has long jumped 20'5” (6.25-meters), and has a best of 40'2” (12.25-meters) in the triple jump. Senior Cody Birk has progressed each year in the long jump, and looks to end her career on a high note. Senior Melissa Ndubilo and freshman Breanna Reavis, a native of
“Moira and Zivile have the potential to claim conference honors,” said Pukstiene. “Mateja is young, and just needs time to develop her huge potential.”
Throwing Events
Assistant coach John Baumann's throwing force will have huge voids to fill after losing two NCAA All-Americans.
“We are rebuilding for next year, and using this year to give the youth some experience,” said Coach Baumann.
The young and rebuilding squad returns only one Big 12 Conference scorer in Brandi Broaddus, after her eighth-place finish in the javelin. Sophomores Donielle Amrein, LaKendra Greathouse and freshman Merritt Dietz will represent the Cowgirls in the shot put, while Dietz will also throw the discus.
Sophomores Deleanor Kirkpatrick and Branighan Vann will throw the indoor weight and the hammer throw during the outdoor season. OSU will also have sophomore Laura Schmidt competing in the Javelin.
Multi Events
The combined events will feature one of the nation's premiere heptathlon recruits in freshman Baiba Blumbaha, who comes in with a personal best of 4,869 points. Baumann will redshirt sophomore Tihana Sarac in an effort to concentrate on improving her high jump and hurdling parts of the heptathlon. Having an impressive 4,960 point heptathlon to her credit, Sarac will look develop into a strong force at next season's NCAA Championships.
Hurdles
OSU's lone hurdler will look to carry the team banner all the way to the NCAA final. Alison Erzinger, returning for her final season, will be looking to improve on her All-American performance a year ago. The 400-meter hurdler has come a long way in a short time and further success is expected. Coached by volunteer and former OSU head coach, and 400-meter hurdle legend Jim Bolding, Erzinger holds a personal best of 58.31.
“I expect her to place higher at BIG 12's and to make the NCAA final,” Bolding said.
With a young squad, the Cowgirls will need the leadership of Davies and Erzinger. The duo have proved to be elite athletes as they both have earned All-American status. Finding success from the young athletes in the jumping and throwing events will be another key to OSU's season. If the Pokes receive stellar performances in those events, they will be in position to be a strong competitor when the post-season arrives.
