Keeping a competitive edge For the men's track team, the major obstacle that had to be overcome during last year's season was not physical. but mental. Coach Bryan Phillips said the problem was not meeting qualifying times for national meets, but keeping a competitive edge on the eve of this year's switch from the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference to the division's Gulf South Conference. "The,idea of changing conferences kind of took the edge off because we were thinking 'We aren't going to run against these guys next year,'" Phillips said. In the LSC individuals qualified for the national track meet based on their performances at the annual conference meet. Although the GSC does not hold a conference meet,Phillips said the change did not pose a problem since qualification for the national meet is based on times recorded throughout the year. Senior Jerry Maritim was one of two team members to qualify for last year's national meet, representing the men in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. The steeplechase is an event in which competitors run seven and a half laps around the track while jumping a number of hurdles, including a hurdle located in front of a water-filled obstacle. "The race is, at best, challenging and, at worst, grueling," junior David Scharff said. "There's nothing in track like it," said Propelling himself several feet into the air, freshman Mike Dominski falls on the other side of the bar without a problem. Dominski, this year's only pole vaulter, had a top outdoor performance record of 12-6. Photo by Mark Kinonen. The men's track team photo can be found on page 255 with the women's team. ~r ____________ ~1~1e~n~s~T~ra~c~k V Athletics Scharff who, during the regular season, competed in the steeplechase alongSide Maritim. "By the end of the race you're soaking wet and exhausted. I love it, though." Senior Albert Tabut was the second team member to qualify for nationals, competing in the 800 meter run. Last season's team included a number of Bison football players. Sophomores Willis Britton and Santiago Collins, junior Rayshun Ta y lor and senior Bershard Tillman composed the 4xlO0 meter relay team. Phillips said that an all football player relay team was unique since most collegiate 4xlO0 meter relay teams include only two or three football players. Regardless of how unique the relay team was, the quartet seemed to have the formula for success, qualifying for the prestigious Drake Relays held last spring in Des Moines, Iowa. Phillips said the relay team's performance was remarkable. Since all four members were involved with football practice during the summer and fall months, they were able to train with the track team for only half of the year. Phillips said last season maintained the Bisons' tradition of strong track performances. "I think the men's team was the strongest it's been in quite some time," Phillips said. - Casey Neese
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