University of Minnesota Athletics
WTF: Gophers Set to Begin Indoor Postseason
2/24/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Eight of the 14 Gopher athletes who scored at last year's Big Ten Indoor Championships in individual events and/or relays return to compete in 2005. Among the returning individual scorers are Jacenta Spandl, Sarah Nelson and Mollie Hupp.
Spandl was the runner-up in last year's pentathlon as a freshman, scoring 3,638 points, while Nelson took fifth-place in the long jump, marking a distance of 19-0.
Hupp also had a fifth-place finish in the 2004 conference 600 meters, clocking 1:32.55, and she currently owns the fastest 600-meter time in the conference this season (1:32.06). Hupp leads a strong contingent of Gopher 600 meter runners that also features Melissa Steele and Candace Borgen who are seeded second and third respectively in the event.
Spandl's return and the emergence of freshman Liz Roehrig provide Minnesota with a great chance to score well in the pentathlon. Roehrig is currently ranked second among conference pentathletes having scored a school record 3,891 points earlier this season. Also the school record holder in the high jump (5-10 1/2), Roehrig is seeded second in that event as well.
The 4x400-meter and distance medley relay teams both boast third place rankings in the conference. With new school records having already been set in both events this season, expectations are high for each relay team to earn a medal this weekend.
Action will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday with the pentathlon 60-meter hurdles and will feature trials in most of the running events, as well as finals of the 3,000-meters and distance medley relay. Field event champions will also be crowned in the pole vault, shot put and long jump. The meet will continue on Sunday at 10 a.m. with the weight throw.
Players Mentioned
