There is extra motivation for the student-athletes this year, as they will have a chance to qualify for the Great West Conference Championships, to be hosted by the University of South Dakota in late February.
In the sprints, junior college transfer Chris Stephens (Seattle, Wash.) joins returners Christopher Fussell (Las Vegas, Nev.), Jim Mezzera (San Francisco, Calif.), Tom Mezzera (San Francisco, Calif.), Zach Stanfield (Adna, Wash.), and Daniel Sullivan (Tukwila, Wash.) in giving Seattle University a strong presence. The added depth will give the coaches several options in the relay events.
Junior Becca Urbany (Damascus, Ore.) and sophomore Ty Jaros (Eugene, Ore.) are expected to lead the Redhawks in the jumping events, with freshman Amanda Luna (Beavercreek, Ore.) showing promise during the early season workouts. Senior Lindsay Currier (Beaverton, Ore.) will once again lead the way in the throwing events.
"While it is early in the track and field season, I am very impressed with the direction this team has taken and the big improvements we've seen in all areas during fall training. In the weeks and meets ahead, we will see more and more school records fall as our athletes take to the track," assistant coach Eric Schueffner said.
Coming off a solid cross country season, the distance runners look to continue the momentum over the next few months. On the men's side, Kelton Sears (Maple Valley, Wash.), Erik Barkhaus (Whitefish Bay, Wis.), and a returning Nick Cannata-Bowman (San Francisco, Calif.) will be slotted in the 800 meter and mile runs. The longer distances, such as the 3000 meter and 5000 meter runs, will feature senior Nicholas Alvarado (San Francisco, Calif.), junior Hans Heitzinger (Scottsdale, Ariz.), and sophomore Matthew McClement (Bellingham, Wash.).
The women will be paced by senior Rachel Yorkston (Bellingham, Wash.), who had a solid cross country campaign and looks for more success in her final collegiate year. Among all the female distance runners, Jennifer Stolle (Seattle, Wash.) has the fastest personal best in the mile, while Sarah Bolce (Sacramento, Calif.) brings the fastest returning 3000 meter time into this season. After recovering from an illness, Celeste Cassidy (Bellingham, Wash.) is expected to post top times as well.
"Each of the distance runners has the opportunity to leave their mark on their event of focus. We have a strong, motivated group of folks who are pushing one another to higher and higher levels. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 'surprise' as the season progresses," head coach Trisha Steidl said.
The Seattle University track and field team welcomes everyone to become a fan of the program on Facebook for updates and announcements about the team. Results from Saturday's meet will be posted on GoSeattleU.com as soon as they become available.