Men’s team looks to take step forward at PAC championships

Youngstown, Ohio is host to the 2020 Indoor Track & Field Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships. Today’s event is a look into the best teams and individual athletes across the entire PAC.

For Waynesburg University, this is an opportunity for the men’s team to prove itself as a true contender.

In the past two PAC Championships, the Jackets took fifth. These “middle of the pack” finishes haven’t exactly been what the team has been looking for.

“At the end of the day, the goal is to improve from where we were last year,” coach Michelle Cross said. “If we get anything above fifth, I think that is a sign of improvement and would show that our program I headed in the right direction.”

The past two years, the men’s team has scored total points of 53 in 2018 and 54 in 2019. Cross sees the squad finishing anywhere from runner-up, to, once again, the middle of the bunch.

“I really do think that they could surprise everyone and get second,” Cross said. “We sort of tried something different this year,” Cross said.

It has been 19 days since the men’s team was last in action. This long break is something that some teams try to avoid, but is also something that could be a great asset.

“I think the rest is going to be very beneficial especially giving people time to heal,” junior thrower Roman Lessard said. “Everyone should be fresh.”

Lessard, along with Cross, believe this team has the ability to surprise some opponents.

“I think this is our big chance to really put Waynesburg’s men’s team on the radar,” Lessard said. “I think we have the potential to really shock some other teams.”

Just like every other sport, teamwork is a key to being successful. Getting a large number of points from each of your team’s participants is what sets good teams apart from the great ones.

“I think the jumpers will have a really good day, and we will get a lot of points from them if they perform to their potential,” Lessard said. “I also think our throwers are capable of taking some points and surprising some people.”

Tomorrow’s PAC Championships will begin at 1 p.m. at the Watson and Tressel Training Site in Youngstown. Geneva College has won the last two PAC Championships and once again a strong favorite.