FSU aiming for continued improvement

Courtesy of Matt Stewart - Sentinel & Enterprise

FITCHBURG -- It is never easy in the MASCAC when it comes women's outdoor track and field. Although Fitchburg State trending upward, it'll be tough to crack the top of the conference standings.

This year's team will likely boast strong talent in certain events, with the hope of overtaking rival Worcester State University for a bronze medal and pushing the upper echelon athletes to the big meets.

"We made some great progress indoors and only got beat by Worcester State by one point," Fitchburg State University head coach Jaime Aubuchon said. "We want to continue building on that great momentum we had indoor and hopefully can move up outdoor. It was our strongest showing in several years."

Sophomore Annie Woolley made a big splash in the hurdles this past indoor season, and looks to continue her success to the outdoor portion of the year. Woolley won the 60m hurdles this winter season at the conference championship, posting a 9.22-second time, and will take to the 100m hurdles this spring.

"Woolley was a little banged up coming off the indoor season," Aubuchon said. "Last year, she had a similar injury that carried over to the outdoor season, but I'm expecting a better spring for her this year."

Junior thrower Morgan Steele is gearing up for the outdoor season, which features her best throwing event, the hammer throw. Steele came in third this indoor season in the shot put at the MASCAC meet.

Steele joined Woolley as the only two women on the indoor team to qualify for the postseason and both are hoping to make it back to the elite meets.

"Steele is a better hammer thrower than indoor weight thrower, and she's a strong indoor weight thrower, finishing third in the conference," Aubuchon said.

In addition to the top two ringers on the team, Fitchburg State features a lot of depth in certain events, which will be critical to amassing points to overtake Worcester State.

The javelin is the signature of this phenomenon with junior Emilee Felton returning. Molly Atkinson, Hannah Barbarotta, and Nashoba Regional product Jaquelyn Manyak will fight to keep pace with Felton for supremacy in the event.

"Felton was No. 2 in the league last year in the javelin, and the No. 1 thrower graduated last spring," Aubuchon said. "I have several new jav throwers that are right there with her and we're looking to get a lot of points in the javelin this year. All three of them are over 100 feet."

Another one of the deep pockets of the team is the pole vault, where not only reliable scorers Sadie Zbikowski (Oakmont Regional alumna) and Michaella Vecchiarelli return from the indoor season, but a handful of newcomers will add depth and competition.

"We have two tried and true pole vaulters, where they finished No. 2 and No. 4," Aubuchon said. "Westfield State has a No. 1 vaulter and we're hoping to go 2-3 or 2-4, and hopefully the new people can move up and steal a sixth place."

Holly Sessler ascends to the top sprinting role and 400m hurdle role on the team, and is turning some heads so far this season, as she looks to be one of the most improved on the team.

Sophomore Nicole Gaffney looks to continue her lead in the distance events. Kelly McCarthy should tally some points in the steeple chase, and senior Jessica Mangan is coming off a personal record in the 5K this indoor season, and figures to be a factor in the 10K.

"It's tough to say with the unknown of the competition," Aubuchon said. "But based off of Mangan's times last year, she should be in the top 3 in the 10K this year.

Sophina Etienne will likely be the team's top discus thrower, who Aubuchon notes has a lot of potential in the event.

The preparation this winter is much different than last, as the squad last year spent the majority of the early season practicing inside the recreation center.

"We've been on the track for two weeks now, and it's definitely a morale booster," Aubuchon said. "The girls are excited, and hopefully they go into spring break with the opportunity to train at home."The season will kick off March 26 at Bridgewater State, before the Falcons host the Jim Sheehan Meet on April 2, and the Eric Loeschner Meet on April 16.

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