News Summary

The Indiana University Columbus men’s and women’s track and field teams are set to kick off their inaugural season at the University of the Cumberlands Early Bird Meet. Seven men and eight women athletes, including both experienced competitors and newcomers, are gearing up for their first competitive run. Coach Hafen is optimistic about the season’s potential, with goals set to make a mark in the River States Conference Championship. The team practices primarily at Northside Middle School, preparing to showcase their talents and ambition as they embark on this new journey.

Columbus Welcomes New Beginnings: IU Columbus Track and Field Team Launches Inaugural Season!

Exciting times are ahead for the sports enthusiasts in Columbus! The brand-new Indiana University Columbus (IUC) men’s and women’s track and field teams are gearing up for their very first season, and it’s all set to kick off at the University of the Cumberlands Early Bird Meet. This marks a significant milestone in IUC’s athletics, as seven talented men and eight determined women athletes come together for their maiden competitive run.

A Whiff of Experience and Lot of Fresh Faces

With a mix of seasoned athletes and newcomers, this dynamic roster showcases some great potential. About half of the team members come with prior experience, mostly having participated in track and field during their high school years. These experienced athletes are poised to become the backbone of the team, offering leadership and guidance to their less experienced teammates. Others, however, are embarking on new adventures as they transition from various sports to the track.

Stars in the Making

Meet some of the standout stars who are expected to shine this season! Freshman Erin Jones, a graduate from Columbus North and a top-notch runner from her cross-country days, is one to watch in the middle-distance events. Alongside her is another talented distance runner, freshman Abby Voss from Seymour, who is also familiar with the cross-country circuit during the fall.

On the sprints side of the spectrum, sophomore Madison Merritt, also coming from Franklin County’s soccer field, is ready to make waves on the track. And let’s not forget the throwing events, where the fierce competitors Alison Stier and Grace Barkes, both also from Columbus North, are preparing to showcase their skills!

Meet the Men’s Team

Turning our attention to the men’s roster, freshman Liam Milne is stepping up as a mentor with his experience as a hurdler and sprinter. He’ll be guiding fellow athletes as they dive into the world of track and field. Freshmen Jackson Niebert from Indian Creek and Emiliano Rosales-Lopez from Columbus North are touted as the leading distance runners, promising to bring some competitive edge to the team.

Then there’s Alex Lozano, another freshman who has a background in football and wrestling. He’s all set to throw down in the shot put and is already putting in the effort in the weight room. Rounding out the men’s roster are seniors like Joey Martinez, who juggles baseball and cross-country, and sophomore Alejandro Saldivar, a promising soccer athlete who adds depth to the team.

Practice Makes Perfect

The team primarily practices at Northside Middle School’s track, with some sessions at Nexus Park and Ceraland. It’s a bustling scene as athletes hone their skills and prepare for the meets ahead!

Setting the Stage for Success

Coach Hafen is enthusiastic about what lies ahead. The current school record board is blank, representing a blank canvas for the team to make their mark throughout the season. With an ambition to finish in the top 10 at each invitational and to savor the experience of college track and field, the team is fired up and ready to go!

In addition to the excitement of the season ahead, there’s already talk of a promising recruiting class set to join next year, which bodes well for the future of IUC’s track and field program.

Mark Your Calendars!

Remember to mark your calendars for the upcoming River States Conference Championship scheduled for April 25-26 at Rio Grande. With all this energy and talent coming together, it looks like the IUC track and field teams are primed for a fantastic inaugural season, and who knows, they might just surprise us all!

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