| Track and Field Season Preview 2006 The Patriots finished their 2005 season garnering 241 top ten finishes. The team broke 18 school records and sent 12 athletes to the national meet in 2005. With the addition of several new athletes, the teams plan to accomplish new feats and set even higher goals. Losing several top seniors this past season will leave a small void for the team but many new recruits will fill the empty spots. The Patriots look to be strong in the distance, middle distance, and sprints. The Patriots return a strong sprint squad with Jordan Jeffers leading the way with his fifth and sixth place finish in the men’s 200 and 100 meter dash. The Patriots also return all four members of the runner up 4x100 meter relay. Other additions such as Duke Cole, 400 meter Kentucky State Champion, should add more depth to a strong sprint squad along with Malcolm Busby, who was the 100 meter state champion in Kentucky in 2005. Eric Tisdol will also be a major contributor in the long and high jumps. An asset to the team this year, Marlus Cozmanciuc, could possible become our best ever 3K steeplechase runner in school history, with a possibility of success in the NAIA. The Patriot ladies middle distance squad looks very strong this season, with Kelly Schnee being the top middle distance athlete along with sister Shelly, who both qualified for the National meet for the past two years. Key runners lost were Stephanie Woodfin, an All American Sprinter for the ladies and the best distance runner, Christy Sumner. With the addition of Vanity Vasquez, the Patriot ladies should have a strong middle distance group. Coach Stroud said, “I am looking forward to conference. This will be the first time that we will have a conference meet. I know we will be successful and that many of our athletes will be able to advance on to the NAIA National Tournament.” The indoor season at the Cumberlands will begin in Findlay, OH on the 27 th and 28 th of January. The outdoor season will begin in March in Clemson, SC at the Clemson Relays.
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