On the track to success

By Lisa Porter

The Santa Clara track team is beginning to establish itself as more than just cross country runners who train in the spring. In only their second season as an NCAA recognized team, the Broncos broke multiple school records on their way to a successful season.

Notable runners, such as freshman Anna Wheatley, are intent on setting the precedent for future track teams. At last Friday's meet in Sacramento, Wheatley broke her own 800-meter record with a time of 2:15.64. Wheatley was also part of a relay team -- along with Julie Erickson, Carrie Pogorelc and Brittany Hodill -- which broke the Santa Clara record for the women's 400-meter relay with a time of 4:09.49.

"Doing different events that you wouldn't necessarily do in cross country is fun," said Wheatley. "Cross country is all the same with distance, and track allows you to mix it up a little bit."

Although the Broncos competed in nine invitationals this season, they were never able to place first because the team does not have any field athletes, such as discus throwers or pole vaulters. However, the lack of a full squad doesn't deter the team's focus.

"We have guys on our team that are training 80 to 100 miles a week for the track season," team captain Mike Hannon said. "Even though there is no chance for the team to advance to a championship, the intensity is still the same as it would be during the fall season."

Instead, many of the runners strive to better their personal times. One main advantage of running in the spring is that the cross country runners are able to practice and compete the entire year, a necessity for any long-distance runner.

"Distance running is not a seasonal thing. It is a year-round process, and, to compete seriously, you need to train year round," said Head Coach Tom Service.

Perhaps the defining moment of the young Santa Clara track program was when the soccer team broke the 400-meter relay record.

"It was kind of a joke just because we're all mainly distance runners, and we're not really known for our speed," said Hannon. "But when they came out there and beat us last year, that was kind of embarrassing."

A distinct sign of progress came at last Friday's meet when Chris Furnari, Ben Snyder, Jay Cadwell and George Sanchez competed in the 400-meter at the Sacramento State Open. The four runners eclipsed the record with a 3:29.97 finish -- nearly five seconds faster than the soccer team.

"That was a good record to get back," said Hannon. "We're happy to have that one again."

Even though distance running is a primary focus, the track team has started the process of branching out to other events. The team this year boasts a few sprinters, as well as Hodill, who competes in the high jump. Nonetheless, they have a long way to go.

"The quality of the program is consistently going up, and we're competing in a few more events every time," said Head Coach Tom Service. "But we just don't have the facilities, budget, and coaching staff to open it up to all the field events like throws, the vault and things like that," he said.

Part of the facilities problem is that Santa Clara has no track. Currently, the team practices at Bellarmine College Prep, which is close to campus.

"We have a really good working relationship with Bellarmine. Plus, it's only a mile away from here, so it's a good warm-up run for them," Service commented.

While Service made it a point to recognize that there is no animosity between the track team and the university over the lack of a track on campus, Wheatley and Hannon both agreed that having a track on campus would be something that they would prefer.

The ultimate goal of the track team is to send runners to the NCAA West Regional track and field championships. Not every West Coast Conference school competes in track and field, thus there is not a team championship. Each team that does compete, however, can send individuals to the aforementioned regionals.

"I see that happening in the next couple of years. We could have some individuals -- quite possibly even next year -- that might be able to go to the NCAA Regionals," said Service.

For now, runners look to stay consistent and keep going in the positive direction for the cross country season.

"I had a pretty successful track season, and I'd like to keep on that note. I'll be happy if I can keep that positive momentum," said Wheatley.

Hannon hopes to use the team's young status to their advantage and build strength in competition.

"I think for the men, and for the women also, it will be a lot more competitive because everyone returned except for one girl. Everybody will be older and we'll be doing 80 miles a week for a whole year," said Hannon, "we'll be much stronger than we are this year."

Contact Lisa Porter at (408)551-1918 or lporter@scu.edu