Lehigh University Athletics
Trio headed to Florida for NCAA Regionals
5/27/2004 8:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field, Track and Field, Women's Track and Field
Evans has had a very special senior season for the Mountain Hawks, having competed in the 100, 200 and 4x100-meter races throughout. Evans took second place in the 100-meters at the IC4A competition on May 16, but will be racing in the 200-meter dash this weekend. Evans was the champion in the 200-meters at the Patriot League Championships in early May, and was rewarded with a spot on the All-League team. Head Coach Matt Utesch is confident that Evans is prepared to perform on such a large scale with the nation’s elite.
“George had an excellent performance at the IC4A’s and he’ll look to keep it going this weekend. I don’t think George is sure of what he’s capable of doing. He’s a kid who can just get it done and if he can work his way into the finals, there is no telling what will happen.” Utesch continues, “George was down on the descending list at the IC4A’s and was still able to turn in a stellar performance, so we’re confident in what he can do. I think he’ll be a bit nervous leading up to the race, but that nervousness will translate into solid focus and allow him to run even faster.”
Barrett returns to the NCAA’s where she also qualified a year ago as a freshman. Barrett, who will compete in the javelin competition, took first place in the javelin at the Monmouth Games and the Lehigh Valley Championships earlier this season, and has had some very impressive throws along the way. After being at this competition a season ago, Utesch feels that Barrett will have the best shot of the three Lehigh athletes to make some serious noise.
“Lauren is returning here and is obviously the most experienced. She’ll have a better shot than George and Deanna to place high just because she has been there before.” Utesch concludes, “This is a tremendous opportunity for her and she’s excited about getting back on the big stage.”
Willard, who runs in the 3,000-meter steeple-chase, has come on strong in the second half of the outdoor season. Willard raced her way to a third place finish at the Patriot League Championships in the steeple-chase, and with the large field entered at the regionals, has a shot to place well.
Utesch likes the chance that his junior is getting this weekend. “As a junior, this is a great experience for Deanna. She is more than ready to run faster than she has before.” Utesch continues, “This is a huge field that she is in with 36 girls competing in three separate heats. That gives her a good chance to run against some girls more on her level.”
If any of the Lehigh trio performs well enough this weekend, they will move onto the NCAA Outdoor Championships in
