Thursday, September 22, 2011

Shocker Track is back!

by John Wise, Sprint/Hurdles Coach
We are back!  It’s been quite a while since we have updated our blog but now that we are back you will be seeing lots of new stuff!

We plan to have a new blog update each week during the season.  Look for blogs from current coaches, graduate assistants, volunteer coaches, current athletes, and maybe even the head coach (if we’re lucky!).
A lot has happened since our final update during the MVC Championships last spring.  We had a terrific post-season with several athletes earning all-American honors as well as hosting the largest track and field meet in the country this summer – the USATF  Junior Olympic National Championships.  We had a bit of a chance to catch our breath during August but then here come 40 newcomers and the rest of the Shockers a few weeks later!
It’s definitely been a busy start to our season and for the sprinters we are currently about halfway through our fall conditioning phase.  We have done something different this year in that we have combined our sprinters, hurdlers, multi’s, jumpers, and vaulters for the first 6 weeks.  It appears we are creating some terrific team chemisty as well as putting in a lot of hard work!

Shockers running hills next to 21st street on campus

We are also getting organized with our recruiting efforts, as several official visits are being set up for the coming weeks and months.  Our staff has been working diligently on getting a massive recruit mailing out these past few weeks and we are already making several great contacts with potential new Shockers!
Lot of exciting things are always happening around WSU Track and Field!  The most exciting thing right now is seeing our cross country teams progress through the fall.  Next weekend they will have their biggest test of the year as they travel to Eugene, Oregon to take on the Ducks, Wisconsin, and several other top teams.  Our women appear to be in the battle for a 7th straight MVC title – although they know it will be a real fight this year.  Our men look to be much improved and next weekend they will finally be at full strength for the first time this season.  Coach Hunter and his cross country assistants are doing a great job getting the Shockers ready!
Look for another update next week!  Go Shockers!