Montana State University
MONTANA STATE OPEN
Track and Field Officially Kicks Off 2014
1/16/2014 12:05:00 PM | Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field, Track & Field
Montana State Open marks first of five home indoor meets for MSU
In the Big Sky Conference pre-season poll, both the men and women were picked to finish in the middle of the pack. The MSU men received 90 points for a fourth place rank, while the women earned 76 for fifth.
"The preseason polls are always motivation for us," said head coach Dale Kennedy. "Our entire team knows we are capable of more than what the polls say and we think of this each time we set out to compete."
Despite several indoor redshirts in 2014, MSU returns several veterans along with a strong roster of newcomers, all of which will be looked to make an immediate impact. The men's distance crew boasts the most depth returning Michael Asay, Seth Garbett, Jacob Kirk, Zachary Kughn, Trevor Polson and Cristian Soratos. Polson is coming off his best cross country season yet and will be looked to lead the Blue and Gold in those races. Newcomer Cole Christiansen makes his Blue and Gold debut with this veteran crew on Friday, as well.
Like the men, the Women's Distance runners bring more depth than previous years after one of the best cross country seasons in the last decade. While Heather Demorest will not be competing this winter, her teammates Rachel Atwood, Michelle Cline, Christie Schiel, Kaylee Schmitz and Rachel Sullivan will be there to pick up any slack. Also back on the active roster is Keely West who had an injury-plagued 2013. Jenette Northey, after a strong debut cross country season should also be prepped for her first indoor season with Montana State.
Middle Distance, another successful troupe for MSU brings back Sonia Antar and Iris Hardarson. For the men, Matt Tex and Marcus Swan will be looked to capitalize on a huge outdoor season in 2013 and perch themselves at the top of the Big Sky Conference.
The sprints have a good blend of veterans and rookies, as well. Chris Wilson, Michael Tobin and Nick Melone come back as the backbone of the group, along with Aaron Johnston, John Daubert and Tanner Burgard for support. Transfer Rory Bauer should have an immediate impact with the sprinters.
Chelsea Bourque, Chantel Jaeger and Paige Squire have shown significant improvement over the last year in the sprints, providing leadership for the younger Bobcats; Lillian Ball and Daryan Box.
Tradtionally a powerhouse of talent, the MSU jumpers and throwers should be no different this year despite losses to graduation and redshirts. The men jumpers return Ryan Kropp in the pole vault and Kyler Felton in the triple jump and have high expectations from Montana Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year, Matt Tokarz and Ty Bermes in the jumps and Mason Storm in the multis.
The women's pole vault boasts Casey Teska, who had an impressive 2013, along with Libby Madison, while Adessa Durglo, Alisa Gilchrist, Trina Heide, Adelheid Langner, Emily Reddish and Sarah Snoozy also return to the jumps. Amber Amsbaugh, known for her high jump efforts, competed in the MSU Combined Events Invitational back on Jan. 6, earning an automatic qualifier in her first pentathlon, along with freshman Jessica Chrisp. Other newcomers include Janessa Benjamin, Leah Cook, Samantha Mohl, Danielle Muri, Josephine Petruska, Amy Rovira and Carter Theade.
Last and certainly not least are the Bobcat Throwers. Despite the loss of David Phillips to graduation, the steady improvement of the group will instantly try to fill in the gap left behind. Sean Ferriter and Trevor Gilreath return as the leaders of the crew along with Derek Marsh. Underclassmen Jarek Jensen, Clark Rubel and Zach Sharp will seek their breakout year for the Bobcats. Riley Sampson and transfer Cody Clausen round out the crew as the newcomers.
For the women, Kristi Vandebergh secured her first All-Big Sky Conference performance last spring and will seek her second this winter in the shot put. She is joined by returnees Britnee Grimstad, Carlene Haskins, Mary Koppy and Madison Wills. Callen Crawford and Alexandra Rowland begin their careers in this elite crew, as well.
The meet, slated for a 4:30 p.m. start for both running and field events, will also feature competitors from Carroll, Great Falls, Montana, MSU-Billings and Rocky Mountain.
