UMBC Track and Field Women's 2001 Outlook

Sprints: Coach Bobb has brought in an infusion of talent to combine with junior Orinthia Jones, who placed third in the NEC Championships in the 400 meters last season. Veterans Odelia Muir and Amanda Gallant and newcomers Crystal Jackson and Patrice Malloy fill roles behind Jones and will make up the sprint relay teams.

400: The team of Jones, Muir, Melanece Moore, and Diane Metger won the NEC 4 x 400 title last year and all four return for UMBC in 2000. In addition, newcomer Startisha McNair (Hampton) and freshman Sherita Baker give the Retrievers a strong contingent in the quarter mile.

Mid/Long Distance: Metger, and veterans Doris Vargas, Carrie Cimino and Mary Beth Rollins won the 4 x 800 in the NEC Championships last season. Muir, McNair, Baker and freshman Ohita Asein will challenge the aforementioned quartet for top spots on UMBC's deep mid-distance contingents . Sophomore Jen Ecker, the NEC record-holding Cross Country champion this fall, leads the distance runners, with help from Rollins, and veterans Sarah Bowling, Rebecca Sauder, and Sarah Smigel.

Hurdles: SO Amanda Gallant is UMBC's top candiate in the 100 high hurdles, and newcomer Patrice Malloy will also contend. Veterans Odelia Muir and Amy Bumann placed third and fifth respectively in the 400 intermediates at the NEC Outdloor Championships last season.

Jumps: Junior Melanece Moore placed second in the triple jump and seventh in the long jump at hte league championships last season. Cimino placed fourth in the high jump, and Baker will compete in the triple jump for UMBC this season.

Throws: Vicki Giacone is UMBC's record holder in the outdoor discus and was the 1998 Big South Indoor Champion in the shot put. Newcomers Cleopatra Borel, a transfer from Coppin State, and Karemeshia Rice, are expected to compete well in the shot put, while veterans Gina Reilly (hammer), and Joanna Beatty (javelin) give UMBC a strong throwing contingent.

According to the Coach...

"We would like to place in the top three in the conference at both the indoor and outdoor championships. We have some talented athletes, but they are young, and must realize what it takes to compete at this level."

"We'll take things one step at a time. The team must first do well in our conference, then place in the ECAC's in the near future. We have to acheive success in the East first, before looking to succeed at the national level."