The Collegian

Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Andrew Dodson

This year's men and women's squads look to rookies to forward their program with the guidance of seasoned veterans. Twenty-three freshmen from all over the world became Charger athletes this fall starting four weeks ago when training camp began. One athlete, Gladys Anyenya, comes from Nairobi, Kenya.

First impressions are everything and the freshmen runners took that to heart, recording impressive times at the Charger's intra-squad Blue and White Meet. The women's white team consisted only of rookies. These freshmen came out on top with less than a 10-point margin.

"We've had a fine start going into our fourth week," head coach Bill Lundberg said. "I'm really excited about these teams this year. These freshmen are going to help us out right away."

Amanda Putt and Melissa TenKate led freshmen runners with personal record times in the 5-kilometer race. TenKate's personal time was more than a minute and a half less.

"I was expecting some good performances," said assistant coach Sarah Hinkley. "Workouts have been going so well."

Junior captain Erin Cvengros led all lady runners.

"This year is so different and a little overwhelming with all the new girls on the team," Cvengros said. "But they all fit in so well, and we can already tell that they are going to work their hardest to help the team be the best it can be."

Cvengros said her team has tired legs and is excited to see the damage they can do at the GLIAC and regional race running on fresh legs.

"I think we are going to have a strong top five this season," said Hinkley. "The most important part is staying healthy, patient and consistent."

Freshman Tim Jagielski made his first impression by averaging a sub 5-minute mile for 4 miles, recording 19:49 and leading all runners.

"Through three miles I was at 14:45, which is a really good personal record for a 5-km equivalent," Jagielski said.

To calculate an estimated 5-km race from three miles, add about thirty seconds.

"I still don't really know how to run these longer races," Jagielski said. "I stuck in the pack for the first mile, took off after the second mile and held on for a good time."
"Tim looks great," Lundberg said. "He's from the area, so we've kept an eye on him through his great high school career."

Senior captain Joel Vanderworp was just under 20 seconds behind Jagielski. Right now Vanderworp runs around 70 to 80 miles per week.

"The Blue and White Meet is an encouraging benchmark for us, but that's all it was," Vanderworp said. "We have a good team, and for now we just need to continue to work hard."

Traveling to East Lansing for the Michigan State Invite this Friday, the Chargers look for tight pack running. The runners aren't overly concerned with fast times right now, rather constituency of pack running is the emphasis.

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