The performance of the Michigan women”s track team in the Big Ten Championships capped what the Wolverines had been trying to accomplish all season long
In West Lafayette, Michigan finished in fourth place, winning two individual championships and establishing four NCAA provisional times.
Michigan coach James Henry was pleased with the team”s overall effort.
“My goal was to finish hopefully in the top three and we ended up one-half a point away from third place,” Henry said. “It was an outstanding team effort.”
Senior distance-runner Katie Jazwinski and sophomore Rachel Sturtze highlighted Michigan”s success in the track events.
Jazwinski won the 5,000-meter run with a personal best and NCAA qualifying time of 16:31.73. Her feat marks the second Big Ten individual crown of her career. She was named All-Big Ten first team with her championship performances and was also selected to the second team for her second place performance in the 3,000 run.
Sturtze secured her first individual Big Ten Championship title after winning the 800 run in 2:11.07. Her mark earned her All-Big Ten first team honors.
Overall, the Wolverines were well-balanced. They dominated the 800 led by Sturtze. Junior Ursula Taylor and Senior Adrienne Hunter placed third and fourth in the event.
In the 1600 relay, Michigan finished third, achieving an NCAA provisional time and season-best time of 3:44.78. Senior sprinters Tamika Craig and Regine Caruthers teamed-up with freshman Mora Arnold and sophomore Carly Knazze to set forth this mark.
In the field, sophomore Nicole Denamur provided Michigan with a tie for third place in the high jump as she cleared 5-8 1/2. Teyonna Simpson placed fourth place with a mark of 39-4 1/2 in the triple jump.
“Running in January and February was just a dress-rehearsal for the championship,” Henry said. “What you do in the Big Ten Championships makes the difference on your season.”
Certainly all the hard work payed off in preparation for this big competition. Henry pointed out Jazwinski, who has carried the team with her veteran leadership all season.
“She was our go-to young lady,” Henry said. “She started the season slow with a bad back and finished strong late in the year.”
Jazwinski will represent the Wolverines in the NCAA championships, running in either the 3000 run or the mile. She will attempt to become an All-American.
The NCAA Championships will be held in Fayetteville, Ark. on Mar. 9 and 10.