Temple University Athletics
TRACK AND FIELD TO OPEN INDOOR SEASON ON FRIDAY
12.1.05 | Men's Track and Field
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple men's and women's track programs made serious strides in Stefanie Scalessa's first season on North Broad Street. Now in her second year, the head coach is looking to have the Owls in contention for the Atlantic 10 Championship.
On the men's side, Temple improved one spot at the A-10 Indoor and Outdoor Championships, moving from eighth to seventh. But numbers are up this season and with a more balanced roster, thanks to the addition of cross country and recruiting throwers and vaulters for the first time in recent history, the future is bright for the men's track and field team.
Seniors Steven Johnson and David Jackson pace the returnees for Temple. Johnson was an IC4A qualifier in the indoor long jump and the outdoor 4x100 relay. He placed second in the long jump at the A-10 Outdoor Championships and as a fifth-year senior, is looking to make the most of his final season. Jackson was an IC4A qualifier in the 55m (indoor) and 100m (outdoor) and could contend for the Atlantic 10 title in both events this season.
"Steven and David are a powerful pair and exemplify what we are building here at Temple," Scalessa said. "They are focused on excelling in their events and they see the importance of being leaders."
Junior Will Wacker won the 500m at the A-10 Indoor Championships in an IC4A-qualifying time, but injuries cut his outdoor season short. Senior Wendell Raulston, an Academic All-Atlantic 10 selection both indoors and outdoors, finished third in the high jump at the conference indoor championships. Sophomore Andrew Fries was a pleasant surprise in the javelin, finishing third in the A-10 and qualifying for the IC4A Championships.
"Will, Wendell and Andrew are all so incredibly talented and have only just touched their potential," Scalessa said. "They will be a dominant force in our men's team's growth.
Scalessa brought in 18 newcomers and believes that this team is more balanced than any Temple team in recent memory. With the addition of cross country, which competed for the first time since 1985 this fall, the middle distance and distance groups will be able to score points for the Owls.
The addition of cross country was huge," Scalessa said. "This gives us the start to developing quality distance runners and to be able to score in events from the 800m and up. The Atlantic 10 hosts some of the best distance runners and although it might take some time, it will be exciting to finally be able to compete and score in these events."
Temple's women's track and field team made a significant jump in the Atlantic 10 standings last season, moving from eighth to fifth, during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Junior Tynisha Gardner, who won the A-10 title in the 400m both indoors and outdoors, headlines a strong group of sprinters.
"Tynisha is one of the most talented athletes I have ever watched run," Scalessa said. "She is an incredibly humble athlete that has led the team by example."
Sophomore Shanice DePass finished third indoors at the conference meet in the 500m and along with Garnder and junior Rachel Johnson, was a member of the 4x400 relay that placed tenth at ECACs. Sophomore Jessica Starace was fourth in the outdoor 200m at A-10s and was a member of the ECAC-qualifying 4x100 relay.
"Our sprinters have immense talent and depth," Scalessa said. "They are incredibly strong and have a awesome sense of team."
The Owls also have a strong group of jumpers, headlined by juniors Erin Davis and Kehnesha Oldacre and sophomore Shavaun Christian. All three placed at A-10s and are counting on improving their performances with a year of experience under their belts.
Like the men, the women's team is more balanced this year with 19 newcomers that cover the gamut of events from hurdles to pole vault to throws. Middle distance and distance will be covered by several harriers who competed in cross country this fall.
"This will be a great year to watch the growth of Temple track and field," Scalessa said."
The addition of the other track and field events will bring a true sense of team to the program and this group of athletes will be contenders in all areas."
The Atlantic 10 Championships are set for February 18 (indoor) and May 6-7 (outdoor).
