2001 Michigan State Women's Track Season Outlook
1/4/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
Jan. 4, 2001
Ask MSU women's track and field coach Angela Goodman what her team needs the most and she can answer you in one word.
"Maturity," asserted Goodman. "We are growing and need to get all the younger athletes we have running and competing as if they were seasoned veterans."
The need to improve has become a mandatory aspect of this year's squad. Goodman doesn't expect her team to compete with the top programs in the Big Ten, her goals are more reasonable.
"If we get back to the middle of the pack this season, I think that would show serious signs of improvement," said Goodman. "It's a matter of regaining a positive outlook for the upcoming season."
Goodman wants to continue the upward swing that she feels her program is on.
'"We have a lot of solid performers returning and then some that have to prove themselves, but the foundation is there," commented Goodman.
This year is a combination of young and old. That's if you can consider sophomores old. A duo of sophomores, Lynlee Phillips and Sherita Williams teamed up to be a bright spot on last season's squad and will be asked to lead the team for the upcoming season.
"Lynlee and Sherita are examples of what we want to do with this team," said Goodman. "They both came in here as freshmen and proved that they could perform with the best."
The swift development of the team's freshmen will play into how well the team does. Along with the cross over runners from cross country, Goodman doesn't see a reason why youth can't spell success.
"It's bringing it all together. The cross country group and the track group to form a team with one common goal," Goodman said. "Building their confidence and letting them know they can compete with the best."
Middle Distance /Distance
The MSU distance team has stumbled across a few stars in the making. Sophomore Cindy Durocher and junior Ann Somerville are both coming off impressive cross country seasons, where Durocher was named as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year . Her fifth place finish at the Big Ten Championship earned her a place on the All-Big Ten team. Teammate Ann Somerville was a picture of consistency, as she placed in the top three Spartan finishers in every meet.
"Both Durocher and Somerville have become forces for the squad now," Goodman said. "They are going to be scoring a lot of points for us will provide that leadership for the younger runners ."
Junior Swanne Gordon returns as the team's top runner in the 800 meters.
Junior Shannon Houseman, a transfer from Arizona State, will also contribute in the distance events. Coming off a redshirt indoor season, Goodman is looking to Houseman to make an immediate impact on the squad.
"Shannon has the ability to run some exceptional times and competed in the 1,500m finals at the Big Ten championships. So she's got the experience, let's see what she can do with it."
Joining the group will be freshmen Michelle Carson, Jamie Krzyminski and Kimi Landane. All are highly decorated high school athletes having won several state track and cross country titles. Krzyminski has six Michigan state track titles, as well as two cross country state titles. Carson has won four provincial titles and Landane captured the Michigan cross country title in '99 , setting a Class D record in the process.
Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles
Sprinting is a section of the team that Coach Goodman feels needs to improve and improve fast.
Goodman knows that she has got the talent, it's just a matter of development.
"It's just another hurdle that this year's team is going to have to overcome," said Goodman. "The girls are working hard this off-season and should be ready to run this year."
Also competing in the sprints, junior Shanna Ashley returns for another year after recording the team's top times in the 400 meter last year.
The Spartan sprinting core will be made up of sophomores Denotra Benford, Kiesha Spight and Akilah Washington. Spight had a break out season last year as she recorded top times in the 55, 60 and 200 meter races.
Goodman's workhorse is sophomore Sherita Williams. She recorded an NCAA provisional mark in the triple jump. She is the school record holder in the triple jump and made the US Junior National team in the event. Her best mark was 42'6" and was named All-Big Ten her efforts during the indoor season.
"Sherita is an unbelievable talent," Goodman said. "She can long jump, triple jump, hurdles and high jump - we'll be looking for her to help us out in the multi-events this year."
Junior Maia Knox is expected to continue to help the Spartans out in the high jump events, as she finished 7th at the Big Ten Indoor Championships last season.
Joining Knox will be transfer Kerry-Ann Green. Green joins the squad with a personal best jump of 5' 9".
Throws
Looking to what should be the strength of her team, Goodman can do nothing but sing the praises of sophomore Lynlee Phillips.
Phillips is the school record holder in javelin (169' 3"). Her dominance in the javelin, spilled over into the other throws as she recorded the team's top distance in shot put (42'8"), weight throw (45' 41/2") and hammer (139').
She continued to improve in the off-season, as she competed in the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials in July.
"It was a great opportunity for her to compete against the best," said Goodman. "The experience was priceless."
The duo of redshirt sophomore LaTanya Parker and freshman Sarah Adelaine should provide point opportunities and depth in the throws.
