2012 Women’s Track and Field Preview
William Penn Women's Athletics
2011 MCC finish: 7th of 7
Letterwinners returning/lost: 3/11
Notable returners:
Morgan Avery, Sr., Minot, N.D.
Notable losses:
Katie Burnett
(Seven-time All-American)
Notable newcomers:
Shaniece Dishmon, Fr., Harvey, Ill.
Audre Harris, So., Junction City, Kan.
Megan McDonough, Fr., Ottumwa
Sade Myers, Fr., Honolulu, Hawaii
Alexis Swinney, Fr., McKinney, Texas
Fatoumata Samura, Fr., Bronx, N.Y.
Amanda Wakelin, Fr., Ottumwa
The deepest squad in years has the Lady Statesmen track and field squad seeing things on the upswing as the 2012 season begins.
A year after placing last in the Midwest Collegiate Conference race, second-year head coach Allen Friesen has spent countless hours recruiting a team that can score points in numerous events, most notably in the sprints.
The foursome of Shaniece Dishmon (Fr., Harvey, Ill., Thornton Township HS), Sade Myers (Fr., Honolulu, Hawaii, Radford HS), Fatoumata Samura (Fr., Bronx, N.Y., Dewitt Clinton HS), and Alexis Swinney (Fr., McKinney, Texas, McKinney HS) highlighted a solid indoor campaign as the 4×400-meter relay team qualified for the NAIA Indoor National Championships. The team broke the school record each and every time out, even breaking the four-minute barrier at nationals.
Joining the group in Ohio was sophomore hurdler Audre Harris (So., Junction City, Kan., Allen CC), who eclipsed the qualifying standard in the 60-meter hurdles.
“Our women were consistent in the indoor season,” Friesen said. “We scored more points at conference this year than in a long time. We accomplished a lot and have a good base to build from for the outdoor campaign.”
“Fatoumata ran a lot of events and Shaniece and Alexis did a great job in the sprints,” Friesen added. “Sade showed she has great potential and Audre was awesome as well. These ladies will be the cornerstone of our success this spring.”
Sprints
Once again, the short distances are expected to be the strongest aspect of the Lady Statesmen program in the outdoor campaign.
Swinney, Dishmon, Samura, and Myers will be joined by Megan McDonough (Fr., Ottumwa, Eddyville-Blakesburg HS) for an incredible amount of depth in the sprints.
“This group should make for one heck of a 4×1 relay crew,” Friesen said. “They are all freshmen so the future is extremely bright in our sprints.”
Hurdles
Harris is projected to again battle for the league title in the hurdles. She will get some backup from Lindsey Kimler (Fr., Dugway, Utah, Dugway HS) as well.
“Audre should only get better,” Friesen said. “I have high hopes for her.”
Middle Distance
Samura’s versatility will be utilized in the middle distance races as well, while Myers and Amanda Wakelin (Fr., Ottumwa, Davis County HS) will also give her strong support.
Distance
Morgan Avery (Sr., Minot, N.D., Iowa Western CC) headlines a list of distance runners who will finish a long year after running both cross country and indoor track. She will be flanked by Rachel Skinner (So., Felicity, Ohio, Ripley HS) and Kaitlyn Graves (So., Bloomfield, Indian Hills CC).
Jumps
McDonough is not only a strong sprinter, but can also clear some air in the jumps, as can Wakelin.
“Megan and Amanda both did well during the indoor season and they should only get better this spring,” Friesen said.
Throws
Tamara Weltch (Fr., Oskaloosa, Simpson) broke school marks in the indoor weight throw and with some more work, should be a factor in several events outdoors as well.
Conference
Grand View has been a dominant force in the MCC as of late and will be the frontrunner this spring. St. Ambrose, Ashford and Mount Mercy figure to give the Vikings a good fight however.
“My expectations are high for the outdoor campaign,” Friesen said. “I want to keep those expectations high and push our ladies to keep improving. As our team grows, we will continue to move up the conference ladder. We are up there in a number of events, but we need the depth to compete in all events. I am excited for the season and ready to get after it.”
