A sense of family helps the Lady Bisons achieve success in track The 1995 season was encouraging for the women's track team. Even though the team was small, the girls worked hard and finished second in the conference. "Winning the conference is always our goal, but we did a good job by placing second with such a small team, " Coach Bryan Phillips said. Phillips praised freshmen Ericka Harris and Amy Wiley, who contributed greatly to the team's success. Both -were named All-AIC athletes, and Harris broke the school record in both the 100- and 200-meter dash. Senior Penny Mayberry had another good year, placing third nationally in the high jump. She was also named All-American for the third consecutive year following the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championship in April. In addition, Mayberry received the M.E. Berryhill Award, which Harding presents to one student each year honoring outstanding athletic performance, scholastic excellence, leadership and lifestyle. She and teammate Angie Fouts were named All-AIC as wel l. After her graduation in 1995, Mayberry remained at Harding one more year in order to certify to teach biology. During that time she worked with Coach Phillips and the team as a graduate assistant. "This experience will help me look at track from a different perspective,'' Mayberry said. The team devoted many hours to their sport, practicing two hours every day, regardless of Women 's Track. Jessica Biggerstaff, Carrie Walker, Amy Wiley, Misti Nowak, Ericka Harris, Jamie Griffin, Maeta Ryser. Photo by JeffMontgomery. the weather. Even when the sky was dreary, team spirits were high. "All of us were good friends and we encouraged our teammates," Harris said. "It's really neat, almost like a family ." Jessica Biggerstaff, another freshman, agreed with her. "Even though we each have our own event to get ready for, everyone is there to support you when you are practicing,'' she said. Biggerstaff also enjoyed the team's mutual encouragement during their competition. She said, "I really enjoy running, but it makes it so much more fun when the team is there yelling for you." Biggerstaff competed in both the one- and two-mile runs. Harris also praised Phillips for his coaching. "He knows a lot, and he was often out there running with us,'' she said. Phillips likes coaching track because it is a challenge for him. "There are many different events, so I must work with all athletes individually,'' Phillips said. "In the end, every individual gets points for the team." Phillips managed to build a well-rounded team, which was evident when Harding competed in the Outdoor Track and Field Championship in April. At least one Harding student placed in the top five in every single event. Overall, the year was positive for the team, and there was an optimistic spirit going into the new season. - Diana King Women's Track 256 ~- li*-~S-po-r-ts~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--
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