19 days. That’s the time between Saturday and the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships for the women’s indoor track and field team.
But, before the focus shifts, the Jim Wuske Invitational at Mt. Union College will serve as a final meet-style tune-up for five teams in the PAC including Waynesburg.
No Sophomore Slump
Sophomore Aubrey Wingeart continues to be consistent for Waynesburg, and coach Bill Lubich believes her endurance is what keeps her going.
“We’re keeping her on pace for PACs,” Lubich said. “She’s very durable, it’s her heart that really pushes that body along. She’s consistent, and durability is a big thing. If she’s having issues as far as injury, she doesn’t let on. She’s a trooper and has got a great work ethic.”
The Youth Emerges
One common theme with the Waynesburg cross country and track and field programs is the turnover from year to year. As underclassmen become upperclassmen, and grow into leaders, new stars emerge.
Freshman Katherine Henderson earned PAC women’s rookie of the week honors Tuesday for her performance in the high, triple and long jump last weekend at Youngstown State.
“Being a freshman, learning a triple jump, getting re-educated on some techniques in the high jump, she’s got a big learning curve this year, and she’s adapted to it well,” Lubich said. “We’re anxious to see what she does in those three events this weekend.”
One Final Tune-Up
Despite the PAC Championships being more than two weeks away, this meet is the last opportunity for live action running.
Lubich said it’ll be an opportunity for all the athletes to improve but stressed the specific improvement they’ve noticed late with the throwers.
“All of our throwers are getting better,” Lubich said. “We’re looking for them to let loose this week too.”
Personal records are also an important part of any track & field event. It provides the coaches a baseline for their athletes and how they compare to other teams. For the athletes themselves, it provides an opportunity to self-improve.
According to Lubich, this weekend in particular will be important for PR’s.
“Establishing a PR is always the goal,” Lubich said. “And just building up to [it] and that’s where our expectations are. Getting a good PR and a good attitude going into PACs.”
Regardless of the results Saturday’s results, Waynesburg will get a gauge on where they sit amongst the other teams, including five PAC teams who’ll be competing.
Lubich added the coach staff is confident, as the Jackets are set to travel the largest number of athletes they’ve had all year to the event this weekend.
“This is our first meet we’ll be full force,” Lubich said. “We’re bringing basically the whole team other than the walking wounded, those who are sick—a little bit of a respiratory flu going around so we’re fighting that. But overall, it’s maybe four or five people out down with injury or out with a head cold.”
Events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in Alliance, Ohio.