Falcons' Track Teams Compete on the National Level
Jaime White
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Sports
As the weather gets nicer and the remaining days left of school begin to count down, the Messiah Falcons' men's and women's track teams are nearing the end of their season. It's been a long year with lots of practices for the Falcons. There are just six meets in the 2009 spring track season, plus the MAC Championships, so every meet really counts for this group of young men and women. For those athletes fortunate enough to qualify for the nationals, it will represent the eighth and final meet of the season for the Falcon athletes.
The team's practices are every day during the week, normally lasting anywhere from two to three hours each evening. These intense training sessions have helped to get the Falcons in shape for a competitive season. Although there are many different events, including running, jumping, and throwing, all the athletes are coached by the same man: Coach Dale Fogelsanger. This spring team consists of almost the same athletes as were on the team in the winter.
For the young men, there are many talented athletes that represent Messiah. The school's top long distance runner is Francis Eanes, while the best mid and short distance runner is Patrick Roach. Roach currently holds not only the school record, but the NCAA Division III season-best for his time in the 800 meter (1:49.26). The team's top pole vaulter is Matt Cross, the best throwers are Matt Wicks and A.J. Smith, and the best hurdler honor goes to Cody Rosenbarker. Jason Brown is the best athlete for the Falcons in the decathlon.
For the young women, the best long distance runner is Jenny Kooser, while the best mid distance runner is Lauren Harte, and the leading short distance runner is Kristen Bates. Bates is also the team's top hurdler and will be representing the school at nationals in the heptathlon, where she is currently ranked fourth in the nation for Division III athletes. Emily Strait and Alyssa Lengel are the top throwers, while Delilah Ruiz is the top jumper for the Falcons.
The team's practices are every day during the week, normally lasting anywhere from two to three hours each evening. These intense training sessions have helped to get the Falcons in shape for a competitive season. Although there are many different events, including running, jumping, and throwing, all the athletes are coached by the same man: Coach Dale Fogelsanger. This spring team consists of almost the same athletes as were on the team in the winter.
For the young men, there are many talented athletes that represent Messiah. The school's top long distance runner is Francis Eanes, while the best mid and short distance runner is Patrick Roach. Roach currently holds not only the school record, but the NCAA Division III season-best for his time in the 800 meter (1:49.26). The team's top pole vaulter is Matt Cross, the best throwers are Matt Wicks and A.J. Smith, and the best hurdler honor goes to Cody Rosenbarker. Jason Brown is the best athlete for the Falcons in the decathlon.
For the young women, the best long distance runner is Jenny Kooser, while the best mid distance runner is Lauren Harte, and the leading short distance runner is Kristen Bates. Bates is also the team's top hurdler and will be representing the school at nationals in the heptathlon, where she is currently ranked fourth in the nation for Division III athletes. Emily Strait and Alyssa Lengel are the top throwers, while Delilah Ruiz is the top jumper for the Falcons.
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