The Oberlin College men and women’s indoor track team dug their spikes out of the closet and hit the track this past week for their first stretch of practices before the end of the semester. The team has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the past couple of years under the leadership of head coach Jason Hudson, who is entering his fourth indoor track season at Oberlin. With 84 names on the team’s roster, Oberlin is looking to surpass the success of last season.

Sophomore Marie Barnett is extremely excited about the upcoming season and the large turnout of athletes this year. She thinks the addition of two new coaches and a large, talented first-year class will add to the energy created by the returning runners and staff.

Leah Shouey, a four-year All-American at Allegheny College, joins the Oberlin team this year to coach the middle distance and distance runners, while Teresa Collins, a recent Oberlin graduate, former track captain, All-American and school record-holder will be helping out with the sprinters.

Shouey, who is also the assistant coach to the cross country team, has already worked with many of the athletes on the indoor team who have transitioned from one form of running to the next.

Barnett is an example of a yearround runner who transitions from crisp, autumn running to the stuffy indoor track to spring running. She likes training with the same runners and working with the same coaching staff: “I like that a lot of the girls on the cross country team also run track. It makes training easier. It’s also neat that you have graduated runners on the coaching staff, and All-Americans from surrounding schools to help you out.”

Barnett is hoping for a smooth transition from cross country to indoor, saying, “I am so happy with my cross country season this year. I improved a lot. I think the momentum from cross country will carry me into this season.”

Sophomore Dan Lesser, a distance runner, is pumped to see Travis Grout back on the track.

“The return of Travis Grout after losing him to a semester off in England should be interesting,” he said.

Lesser also commented on the strong first-year talent.

“Donnor Doss running middle distance and Everett Schlawin and Corey Squire running distance...they look really good,” he said.

The indoor track team kicks off its season Dec. 9th at Kent State University. Home meets are scheduled for Jan. 20, Feb. 10 and February 24.

Sophomore Valerie Alt, roommate to Barnett and dedicated track fan, has already busted out her poster paints in preparation for the track season.

“The home meets are a blast. I don’t think the Oberlin community realizes how hot their track athletes are,” Alt commented. She promises to be there, hoping more students will join her on the sidelines, waving inspirational signs and getting in on all the action the track team has to offer.