Track teams compete at Western Michigan Invite

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While most of the CMU men’s and women’s track teams will head to Kalamazoo on Saturday for the Western Michigan Invitational, two big contributors for the women will rest.

Seniors Erika Schroll and Tanisha Johnson will miss the first scored outdoor meet of the season as they competed in Austin, Texas, Wednesday and Thursday at the Texas Relays.

Coach Willie Randolph said the team has looked strong leading up to the weekend, and he also noted an athlete on the men’s side who caught his eye: senior Kirkston Edwards, a former football player.

“Kirkston Edwards has been doing a nice job,” he said. “This is the first week his body has been fully rested and he ran a good 40-time. He’s looking really good in practice.”

As for the rest of the team, cooperating weather has allowed it to work outdoors and improve on fundamentals.

“We’ve been working on some technical things, which is the most important part,” said junior Shanaye Carr. “The technical things will shave off time, especially with the hurdles and with the handoffs.”

PILLING

Senior thrower Greg Pilling, who was not feeling well at the Raleigh Relays, should be near full health this weekend.

Randolph said Pilling performed well last weekend in Raleigh, N.C., but expectations will rise.

“It wasn’t a surprise that he opened up so well,” he said. “On the same note, without the sickness, we know he could have competed even better.”

FUTURE

With the Sun Angel/Mesa Classic coming up on April 9-10, the coaching staff said it will rest some of its athletes Saturday in Kalamazoo.

That includes Schroll and Johnson. Schroll jumped a height of 5-9 3/4, finishing in a three-way tied for second. Johnson jumped a height of 5-6.

For precautionary measures, Schroll was removed from competition earlier than usual because of a fall. The staff, along with Schroll, did not want an injury to occur.

Randolph said recovery is important because he wants his athletes ready for upcoming meets, and also the Mid-American Conference tournament and potentially nationals.

“The recovery is the most important thing because we have a big meet next weekend in Arizona,” he said.

Once the Chippewas attend the Lenny Lyles/Clarkwoods Invitational in Louisville, Ky., the schedule gets grueling all the way until the MAC tournament, Randolph said.