The women's track and field team appears to be in good shape in the field events, as the return of juniors from abroad and a strong influx of freshmen will supplement a group that helped the team to a second place finish at the Div. III New England Championships last year.
Among those returning are seniors Kenzie Rawcliffe, the team's top hurdler and also a multi-event specialist, and Sade Campbell, who, along with junior Joyce Uang, has hit 54" in the high jump.
"Having Kenzie and Sade back is huge because they're both field event specialists," coach Kristen Morwick said. "It will be really nice to have them come back and make a big impact. They're both really talented athletes and just really great people to have on the team."
In addition, juniors Kaleigh Fitzpatrick and Jenna Weir will rejoin the team after a semester away. Both gave standout performances in the long jump and triple jump last year.
Senior shot-putter Paula Dormon returns this year after improving her throw from 30 feet to over 40 last year. Freshman thrower Julia Feltus, who is recovering from an elbow injury, also aims to build on the group's recent success.
"Now that we are officially in season, I can actually start throwing and working on technique," Feltus said. "I was really looking forward to that because I have not actually thrown since the end of May."
Other freshman standouts include Kerry Virgien and Andrea Ferri, both multi-event competitors, and pole-vaulters Nadine Kesten, Lauren Morris and Christine Stevralia, all of whom Morwick expects will make a positive impact on the team. Also returning is junior Sarah Martin, the Jumbos' top weight thrower.
"[Martin] already looks tons better than [she did] last year," Morwick said.
Overall, the Jumbos are expecting big things this season from the field specialists as they attempt to build on last year's success.
"There is so much more work to be done, but that's exciting for me," Feltus said. "With a new season comes new goals, and I know everyone on the team cannot wait to get out there and compete."
"It's exciting to see everyone back on the track together," Dormon added. "Coach Wallin has been challenging us and putting us to work, so we should be seeing some good results this year."
