Dedication to practice pays for men's track stars in 1996 Hard work and dedication have always been the keys to success in track and field, with long hours ofpractice and conditioning going into every athlete's routine. The results of the 1996 Harding Bisons season show evidence of the hard work of these dedicated athletes. "We worked really hard, although it was a year in limbo because we had no conference," Coach Bryan Phillips said. This year, for the first time, there was no conference championship at stake. Each athlete worked hard at each meet hoping to qualify for the NAIA national competition. Simeon Sawe took advantage of this opportunity by finishing second in the mile run at the qualifying national indoor track and field meet with a time of 4:07 minutes. During the season, Sawe broke the oldest school record in an individual event by winning the mile run at the Texas Relays. Although individual accomplishments often overshadow team results, collegiate track and field is a team sport and relay teams gain the Bisons many victories. At the University ofKansas Invitational, the two-mile relay team captured the top spot. Competing against nine other schools at the Arkansas State University meet, Harding finished in second place. The distance medley team finished first at the University of Arkansas indoor meet. The same distance medley relay team finished third at nationals, as did the twomile relay team, with both setting school records. Harding finished in 12th place with 20 points in the overall team competition. "We had hoped to finish in the top, but we just missed it. Overall , it was a very satisfying season," Coach Phillips said. Individual accomplishments were recognized throughout the 1996 indoor and outdoor seasons, including five Harding athletes receiving All-America honors. The 1996 Harding Bisons' overall team performance showedwhat an athlete's heart and determination can accomplish. - Lance Lemmonds Scoreboard Harding University Sunset Invitational Laura Rubio places 1st in the 1500 meters. Heather Mayberry placed 1st in the 100-rneter high hurdles. Team placed 2nd in the 1600-rneter relay. 258 Men's Track Teammates Laura Rubio (right) and J essica Biggerstaffset the pace for an exciting race. Rubio was one ofthe three recipients ofthe first scholarships offered for women's track. Photo by Aaron Gillihan.
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