Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks set to return to the track at Navy
1/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field, Track and Field, Women's Track and Field
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After over a month off, the Lehigh track and field teams will get back in action this Saturday at the Navy Invitational beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Annapolis, Md. The men will kick things off at 11 with the women to follow immediately after at 3:00 p.m.
“We’re back in camp and hitting the kids hard with two-a-days,” head coach Matt Utesch said. “We’re not going to be real fresh, but I am still expecting some good marks. Navy is a fast track and has a top notch facility.”
The Mountain Hawks opened up the 2009-10 track and field season on December 4 when they hosted the Lehigh Season Opener. The Brown and White captured 18 of the 30 individual events throughout the evening as it competed against DeSales University and Moravian College. Several freshmen made instant impacts including: Khaaleedah Smith, who won the 60 and 400 meter dashes, en route to being named Patriot League Female Rookie of the Week, Brittany Pietrosh (1st in the 800), Julia Perry (2nd in the 800), Devin Monroe. who finished second in the 200 and Christopher Buck, who placed second in the shot put.
Sophomore Kyle Forest had a career day as he set personal records in three events: high jump (1.95 meters), pole vault (3.45 meters) and long jump (6.36 meters). Upperclassmen such as Nick Ray, Khalil Uqdah and Jillian Randolph had strong first showings as they won their respective events.
With so much time off Utesch admits there will be a little rust, but he isn’t too worried. “Based on the workouts so far, I would say the kids worked their tails off during the winter break. They will have a little rust to knock off, but I think having one meet already helped prepare them for the rest of the season. We have a talented group with a lot of potential.”
The Brown and White will have some tough competition this Saturday as it will square off against Navy, Virginia Commonwealth, UNC-Wilmington and Mount St. Mary’s.
“Navy is always strong and VCU is very solid in sprints,” Utesch said. “UNC-Wilmington is a very complete program and a solid team all around. I think we match up well against them.”
Make sure to check Lehighsports.com late Saturday night for complete results and a recap of the meet.
Lehigh Track and Field-Navy Preview
