USU track team ready for season
= The Utah State track and field team celebrated three individual victories at Saturday’s Washington State Cougar Indoor Track Invitational, with Justin Wickard, Mike Nielson and Amy Egan all placing first in events.
“It went great,” USU Head Coach Gregg Gensel said. “It was the first time that we had our runners run indoors, and they ran awesome.”
The Aggies faced competition from Washington State University, UC Berkeley and Idaho.
Wickard completed the 60-meter hurdles in 7.89 seconds, setting an NCAA provisional qualifying mark. Nielson claimed the winner’s circle in the 3,000-meters with a time of 8 minutes and 20.3 seconds. Not far behind were teammates Trevor Ball, David Danley, and Clark Bryner coming in at the two, three and four, respectively.
Amy Egan, a sophomore, was the only first-place finisher for the Aggie women, coming in with a time of 4:54.59 in the mile.
In addition to the first-place victories, the Aggies also claimed four runner-up spots and set a number of personal records.
“We had other great performances,” Gensel said. “DJ Smith in the 60-meters, although he didn’t win the competition, set a new PR.”
Gensel said the indoor season is just the beginning for the Aggies.
“Our indoor season is always preparatory for our outdoor season,” he said, “and so indoors we just want to try and stay as healthy as we can and keep improving every meet.”
“We have an indoor conference championship in about four weeks, so we have to be prepared to do that, but our main season is outdoors. We’re just trying to stay healthy enough to have a good season outdoors,” he added.
Healthy enough, and then some.
“Our goal outdoors on the men’s side is to have an opportunity to win the champinship,” Gensel said. “It’s the last year we’re going to be in the Big West.”
All USU sports will be transferring to the Western Athletic Conference next year.
jenbeasley@cc.usu.edu