FSU boasts depth, lots of potential

Courtesy of Matt Stewart, Sentinel & Enterprise

Falcons looking to soar in 2013-14

FITCHBURG-- The Fitchburg State University women's indoor track team is gradually building some quality depth on its ranks. A strong incoming freshman class, along with some helpful transfers, should help supplement some proven returners.

Fitchburg State starts the season Saturday, when it travels to the Reggie Lewis Center for the UMass Boston meet.

"We have about 27 women, which is four more than last year," Fitchburg State head coach Jamie Aubuchon said. "Our goal is to get all 27 to qualify for the MASCAC conference championship meet. From what I'm seeing in practice so far, everyone has the potential to make the league meet and contribute in some way."

The middle distance crew might feature the most depth on the Falcons squad. Key returners include Jenae Harrison, Braila Roy, and Samantha Wilkinson, all of whom bring experience and potential. Freshman Kelly McCarthy could play a pivotal role on the distance relay squads, with the three key returners.

"Our core middle-distance crew from last year is returning," Aubuchon said. "They've done well over the last couple of seasons in the postseason. We're looking for a fourth strong runner this year for the relays."

As an underclassman last year, Arthina Robert was fighting in the shadows of two All-American sprinters from competing MASCAC schools. But now a junior, Robert is looking to take the lead in the league, with the graduation of some formidable former competitors.

"(Robert) has a very strong chance of finishing in the top three in the MASCAC this year," Aubuchon said. "Worcester State and Westfield State basically had two All-Americans last year and they both graduated. If you took Robert's time and put it back six or seven years ago, she would've been dominant in the league."

Nowhere is the impact of incoming freshman more prevalent than in the throwing events. The Falcons add three newcomers who should make an immediate difference in the shot put, with the additions of Brooke Delmonaco, Sarah Elliott and Morgan Steele. The freshmen trio will get their first experience working with throwing coach Nora Lynch, who has helped two men make it to nationals in the last three years.

The weight throw is an event new to the freshman, so veterans Liana Alicea, Morgan Cefalu and Katelyn Sletterink will be pivotal to the Falcons point production in the event.

"We have six strong throwers this year and I'm really excited about their potential," Aubuchon said. "All three of the incoming freshman have thrown further than our best shot putter from last year. With the strong coaching from (Lynch), the future looks very bright."

Possibly the best ranked returner is likely pole vaulter Rebecca McClure. McClure was the second best vaulter in the conference last season and despite her relative inexperience in the event, she looks to put herself over the top with a similar amount of improvement she showed from last year.

"(McClure) was the No. 2 vaulter last year and her rival from Westfield State is back this year," Aubuchon said. "But she's extremely hard working and dedicated and had a tremendous leap last year. She's only been vaulting for two years; went from nothing to 11 feet, which is amazing. If she shows any improvement this year, then her shot at MASCAC and Alliance championship is very good."

There are a handful of local athletes who should make their mark on the Falcon roster. North Middlesex alumna Elizabeth Ward will likely be the Falcons strongest threat in the long distance events. Fitchburg native and junior Ebony Schuerman has some strong potential in the jumping events.

Mount Wachusett Community College transfer student Natasha McInnis could be one of the most under the radar newcomers. Early indications show that the Leominster High alum might be in the top three on the team in sprinting events.