Falcons May Be Young But They Will Compete
Courtesy of Matt Stewart - Sentinel & Enterprise
FITCHBURG -- The Fitchburg State University women's indoor track and field roster might have a majority of underclassmen out of the 34 women on the squad, but that won't stop the Falcons from striving for personal bests this winter.
FSU will have the difficult task of trying to compete in the MASCAC and New England meets, but the journey will start Saturday as the Falcons open their season at UMass Boston.
"With a young team, we're really looking forward to building up individuals to have them at the top of the New Englands and national qualifiers by the time they graduate," Fitchburg State University women's head coach Jamie Aubuchon said. "Some of the upperclassmen are definitely starting to believe that, and they're working toward that."
Fitchburg State finished fourth out of four teams last year in the MASCAC conference championship meet, and with the top so talented, it will be difficult to crack the top three.
"Worcester State had an excellent freshman class in the cross country season, but before the newcomers came we were expected to beat them on paper," Aubuchon said. "I don't know what they have left over for sprinters, so there's a shot we can get third. But we just don't have the depth to win the conference."
The Falcons had a standout freshman class last season, and are looking to see that crew take the next step in their development.
Sophomore Annie Woolley made a great benchmark last season, and was the MASCAC champion in the 60m hurdles (9.34 seconds). In addition to grabbing MASCAC gold, Woolley also made an appearance late in the season in the 4X100m relay, making an impact in the race.
"Last year despite having a great year, Woolley was actually injured a bit," Aubuchon said. "She didn't train as hard as she could've, so hopefully this year she'll go a little bit further, and she'll at least run as good as she did last year."
Nicole Gaffney, a sophomore from Wachusett Regional, finished second in last year's conference championship 3,000m race, and figures to step it up a notch this season.
"Gaffney had a great year last year," Aubuchon said. "I think this year she wants to focus more on the 3K, because she spent more time on the mile last year. She'll do both events this year though."
Jenna Phelps, a sophomore from Mt. Greylock in Western Mass, was last year's MASCAC champion in the 600m run, and is looking to repeat this season.
There are handful of proven upperclassmen destined for big things, first and foremost Oakmont Regional grad and junior pole vaulter Sadie Zbikowski.
Zbikowski finished third in the MASCAC last season, behind decorated senior and school record holder Rebecca McClure. With McClure graduated, it should be a two woman race for the top of the pole vault in the conference.
"Zbikowski should be the No. 2 vaulter, because last year we went 1-3 in the event," Aubuchon said. "According to Coach Kyle Wilson, our pole vault coach, there's no reason that she can't be the next school record holder in the next year or so. She's up to 10-6 and is only nine inches away from the school record."
Morgan Steele, a long time shot put thrower, has made the transition into the weight throw. Steele was the fourth best shot putter in the conference last year, but her true ticket to glory will be in the weight throw this season.
"Steele is a tremendous thrower who made such great strides last year, that she was one of the best throwers in New England," Aubuchon said. "She's got a shot at going to national's in the weight throw. Coach Nora Armstrong has a long history of developing new throwers and turning them into great throwers, and Steele is just the next installment of that. Unfortunately there is a woman from Westfield State that was an All-American in the weight throw, and hopefully this year Steele can be closer to her and go herself."
After holding their own in the cross country season, the distance crew is ready for indoors. Jessica Mangan a senior 5K runner will lead the way, while Casey Taylor is a sophomore transfer coming off a strong cross country season and figures to play a key role in the distances as well. Kelly McCarthy and Shawna Ryan are other key distance pieces.
A few newcomers should make an impact this season. Molly Atkinson is a freshman who will provide depth in hurdles and long jump, with a chance to place in both events at the conference championship.
"We're going to try to get Atkinson into the pentathlon," Aubuchon said. "She was a pentathalete in high school."
Walk-ons are usually a phenomenon at scholarship programs, but the Falcons scooped up a couple of quality sprinters who were enrolled in the school, but not competing in athletics. Olivia Milstead is one of those veteran newcomers, and should be strong in the 400m dash range. Huong Hoang, a sophomore newcomer from Lowell, will also provide quality depth in the sprints.
Holly Sessler, a returning sophomore, will provide depth in the jumps and hurdles. Amanda Remie is the leading returning sprinter from last year's team, and also a part of the potent sophomore class.