The Wittenberg women's track and field team is ready to make its mark as it opens a new year and welcomes a new head coach in Steve Shutt.
The Tigers last won a North Coast Athletic title in 1997 and they are prepared to bring it home again. Though the NCAC is extremely competitive, with schools like Denison, Ohio Wesleyan, and Wooster. Wittenberg is ready to challenge for the top spot once again as it returns several experienced runners but also welcomes several newcomers to the collegiate scene.
Topping the list of returners for the Tigers this season are senior Emily Hillard (Sylvania, Ohio/Notre Dame), a major contributor in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, and sophomore Sarah Weide (Fort Wayne, Ind./Homestead), the team's most valuable performer last season who set school records in several distance events and sophomore Adrienne King (Cleveland, Ohio/Glenville), who has made her mark in both the sprints and long jump.
In throws for the Tigers, several top competitors return in seniorJaimi Timmons (Springfield, Ohio/Mt. Vernon), junior Julia Kregenow (Lancaster, Wis./Lancaster) and junior Lynsey Collier (Deshler, Ohio/Patrick Henry). All three gained key points for the Tigers last season with Timmons and Kregenow finishing first and second, respectively in the discus at the Outdoor NCAC Championships.
Head Coach Steve Shutt is also looking toward several new faces to play a role in the success of the program this season. Heading the list of newcomers includes freshmen Abi Gerstle (Kettering, Ohio/Fairmont) in distance events, LaRissa O'Neal (Indianapolis, Ind./Broad Ripple), and Amanda Young (West Jefferson, Ohio/London)in sprints and jumps.