It might be the beginning of indoor track and field for Waynesburg University, but it is never too early to look ahead to the outdoor track and field season. It is easy to get excited for a sport like track and field, where there are so many different events.

“I just missed it personally… track has such a different dynamic with the events; the diversity of the sport is amazing,” Head Coach Chris Hardie said. “We always say it’s like a circus. It’s fun to just go to a meet and watch different things, but then to watch the progression of our players, so that’s what I’m most excited about.”

The women’s team will look to get off to a fast start, with senior Gabi Reifsnyder and junior Meg Barry leading the way as captains of the team. Barry talked about her goals for this season, as well as the expectations for those competing in javelin for the season.

“My overall goal is to qualify for nationals this year. I’ve been very close my freshman and sophomore year, and I’ve missed it by a meter or two, which is not very far at all,” Barry said. “My team’s expectations are to place one, two, and three in the javelin this year for females.”

Reifsnyder will also be key to the Yellow Jackets’ success, as she was continuously praised for her leadership in the cross-country season by teammates and Hardie. 

The men’s team has two great seniors in Andrew Kasper and Kai Herbert. Kasper is coming off an incredible cross-country season where he earned first-team all-PAC honors. The returners experience will be the strong point for the men’s team this season.

Another elite athlete on the men’s team is sophomore Tyriek Williams, who is a two-sport athlete playing both basketball and outdoor track. He shared how that helps him prepare for the track season.

“Honestly, basketball does keep me in shape, and going right into track season does great things for me,” Williams said. “It allows me to transfer my mentality into track to be able to be locked in, be ready and be focused.”

Another important part of any sport are the people who have helped and supported these athletes throughout their careers.

Barry and Williams both shared who has helped them become the elite athletes they are now.

“I would have to say my mom and my sisters; they really keep me solid no matter what,” Williams said. “Especially my mom; big shout out to her; she keeps me locked in, and she always tells me to stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay on course.”

Barry then mentioned who has helped her the most.

“My parents, specifically my mom. She comes to every one of my track meets, no matter how far or if she has to take off work,” Barry said. “For example, this Friday she is supposed to be working, but she is taking off work so she can come to the track meet.”

The Yellow Jackets will first run their indoor season, which will be a good lead-in to outdoor. The outdoor season will start in the middle of March, as the indoor season will wrap up a few weeks before then.