Purdue women challenge IU
at track invitational
By Keith Thomas
Editor in Chief
Beginning this afternoon, the Purdue women's track
and field team will find out if they are as good outside as they were
inside.
Earlier this season, the Boilermakers won the 2001
Big Ten Indoor Championships by 11 points over Ohio State and 18.5 points
over Indiana.
Now, amid high expectations, the Boilermakers begin
competition today in Bloomington, Ind., pursuing the difficult season
sweep.
According to coach Ben Paolillo, winning the outdoor
title is going to be additionally difficult considering the team he
believes to be the favorite — Indiana — is hosting the meet.
"We'll be there to give (IU) a challenge every
step of the way," said Paolillo. "We feel like we're in a position where
we could challenge for the title."
In getting the title this weekend, the Boilermakers
would also have to hold off indoor runner-up Ohio State.
Placing ahead of the Buckeyes would please no one
more than Purdue senior Angela Craft, a native of Columbus, Ohio.
"I'm more excited because it's my last year," said
Craft, who has some lofty goals for this weekend's conference wrap up.
"I definitely want to defend my title and get a higher mark in the heptathlon."
Craft, who added the indoor title to go along with
her 1999 team outdoor title, enters the meet ranked second in the conference
in the heptathlon, but she said that doesn't provide any additional
strain.
"I try not to put that pressure on myself," said
Craft, a senior co-captain. "I just try to stay focused and compete
hard.
"Since I don't have a lot of pressure, I just feel
really comfortable."
Craft also said that, as a team, Purdue doesn't
have a lot of pressure to perform at a high level despite winning the
indoor championships.
"Indoor was kind of a surprise to us," said Craft.
"Teams know we can do it, but they still don't pick us to be the favorite
and it kind of puts us into a good spot."
Paolillo said that Craft and some of the other
strong Purdue competitors will be competing this afternoon on the first
day of the meet and that should provide the Boilermakers with some early
points and possibly even the incentive for staying determined.
"I think once you get a lead you want to protect
it," said Paolillo. "It also gives you the early confidence and that's
important."
Along with Craft, Purdue pole vaulter Ebby Metzinger,
who is the Big Ten record holder in the event, looks to have a solid
outing.
Thrower Serene Ross is considered the favorite
in both the hammer throw and the javelin.
The men's team is also competing this weekend,
and, like the women's team, is going in with some confidence based on
how they faired in the indoor championships earlier this year.
The Boilers as a team finished in second at the
2001 Big Ten Indoor Championships, 20 points behind Wisconsin's 114.
Senior co-captain Chris Brown is considered one
to watch after winning the 35-pound weight throw and the hammer throw.
Brown will also be competing in the shot put. All-American Shawn Guice
paces a group of talented high jumpers including Ryan Fitzpatric and
Joe Thomas.
• Action begins at 1 p.m. this afternoon at
the E.C. (Billy) Hayes Track at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field
Complex in Bloomington.
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