Anna Hartig
Staff Writer
The College of Wooster track and field programs hosted the Wooster Invitational for their first home meet of the outdoor season last Friday and Saturday. The event, hosted on Carl Munson Track, was a notable meet as the men’s team finished in fifth place and the women’s team placed seventh with strong performances in the field and sprinting events.
On the men’s side, Tom Helsel ’18 said, “Jack Petrecca ’[19]’s first-place finish in the High Jump and David Wescott ’[19]’s first-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase were highlights of last weekend’s meet.” These big wins for the Fighting Scots contributed to the 48 points earned by the men’s team. Westcott’s performance in the steeplechase was impeccable in that his time was two seconds faster than his previous events despite the poor weather conditions.
Helsel finished the meet with his career-best in the triple jump with 39 feet and 1.25 inches. “I enjoy how the coaches give you full reins of your track and field experience. If one wants to try a new event the coaching staff will enter you in that event for the following meet and work with you to learn the technique. This allows for one to explore their athletic ability, which is something that is generally not possible at other schools. The Wooster track and field program truly cares about the athlete,” said Helsel.
Matthew Olszewski ’21 helped teammates, Petrecca, Myles Parker ’19 and Aedan Petit ’20 earn fifth place in the meet-capping 4×400 event with a time of 3:32.92. The positive attitude after a great performance this past weekend will prove to be helpful as the rest of the season continues.
“I enjoy the team aspect and challenges that track and field brings. I have made a lot of good friends, while being surrounded by a great coaching staff. My teammates and coaches have pushed me to be the best I can be and as a result of making friends on the team, those connections have extended outside of the sport as well,” said Olszewski.
The track and field team’s supportive attitude was seen on the women’s side as they earned a total of 53 points. The 4×400 relay team, consisting of Julia Higgins ’19, Mackenzie Kellar ’18, Emani Kelley ’19 and Akwia Tilton ’20, closed a runner-up performance with a time of 4:20.27. Carolyn Webster ’19 earned three third place finishes in the high jump, long jump and 100-meter hurdles.
Despite tough weather conditions, Georgia Hopps-Weber ’21 pulled through with a strong performance in the pole vault earning third place with a total of 10 feet. Hopps-Weber said, “As a pole vaulter I am a little isolated from the team during practice, but at the meets its really nice to see that not just field event athletes come to watch me but also the distance runners and sprinters! The team is full of very supportive members which I love!”
“The team as a whole is trying to prepare for Outdoor NCAC T&F Championships and place high at that meet. We know a lot of work still needs to be done, but we are gradually making progress and it is very motivating for us to know that there are always more results to come,” Olszewski said.
The track and field team travels to Oberlin College for the Bob Kahn Invitational on April 7 at 10:30 a.m.