BURNSVILLE, MN – After runner-up finishes at both the NSIC Indoor and Outdoor Championships, the University of Mary women's track and field team was picked 2
nd in the Northern Sun's Preseason Coaches' Poll. It is the second straight year the Marauders were picked as preseason runners-up.
UMary had an indoor season to remember, with six school records falling and an NSIC Championship meet record in the 4x400m Relay. The women's track and field team was ranked as high as 7
th in the nation last year.
Headlining the roster is a slew of indoor All-NSIC athletes. That list includes
Terez Wycklendt (DMR),
Amber Rosemeier (DMR),
Laila Cleare (60m, 200m),
Tayen Werner (4x400m), and
Tionce Walrond (4x400m).
"We return a lot of strong conference and national performers," said head coach
Cale Korbelik. "Last year, we ended the season on a high note. We have had many people develop quicker than anticipated. We hope to see that show for us during the season."
Tayen Werner was named the team's Track Athlete to Watch ahead of her sophomore year. The Canadian was a stellar addition to the roster, helping claim an NSIC Championship in the 4x400m during both the indoor and outdoor seasons. She went on to earn All-American status in that same event. Individually, Werner was All-NSIC in the outdoor 400m.
"Tayen had a breakout season her freshman year in the sprints," said Korbelik. "She was able to run impressive marks in the 200m, 400m, and 600m. Her hard work and dedication to the sport gave her the opportunity to shine. She has lofty goals for this season after finishing her Canadian summer season as a national champion and summer games champion in the 400m."
Anna Bruno was selected as the team's Field Athlete to Watch. The junior made great strides during the outdoor season, placing 5
th in the Long Jump at the NSIC Championship and qualifying for nationals in the process.
"Anna found her potential last outdoor," said Korbelik. "She is extremely driven to improve in her events. After an unfortunate injury at nationals, she is back and hungrier than ever to get back to nationals and win conference in the long jump. She is now a leader of the women's team and has taken on the roll in a positive way."
The season begins for UMary on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, at home at the Mike Thorson Open. The meet will be held at the UMary Fieldhouse.
The NSIC Indoor Championships will be held on February 27 and 28 in Mankato, MN.
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