Billy Peterson
Contributing Writer
Laurie Jenkins, Women’s Track & Field
Over the past weekend, the Springfield women’s track & field team competed in the New England Division III Championships. The Pride fared well on the day, finishing 13th overall and second amongst NEWMAC teams, behind only MIT. The star of the day for Springfield was senior sprinter, Laurie Jenkins. The Physical Education major from Columbia, Conn. placed second overall in the 200 meters, with a time of 25:73. Jenkins has been a top point scorer for the Pride all season long, competing in the 200 meter, 400 meter and 60 meter-dash. Over the course of the season, Jenkins has placed first in all three events. Jenkins has also contributed in the 4×200-meter relay for the Pride.
Q. Is there any major differences between the indoor and outdoor season?
A. The main difference between indoor and outdoor is probably the added factor of the weather, which is rather fickle, especially when it comes to track meets. The events also change, so instead of a 4×200 there is a 4×100, and instead of a 3K there is a 10K. In regards to throws, discus and javelin take the place of the weight throw. The season is shorter, the times definitely get faster and the competition gets more intense.
Q. How do you prepare yourself for the 200 meter sprint?
A.The 200m is the perfect race. It’s short enough that you don’t have to think, but it’s long enough to require strength and speed, not just technique like in the 60m. I do a nice long warm-up about 45 minutes prior, then put my spikes on, do some speed work, hop in the blocks, and go. Go hard or go home, that’s my motto.
Q. As the game wore on, what was the mental mindset?
A. Keep doing what I’m doing. Hopefully other people will step up, and some did, but we couldn’t finish it out. I tried to stay strong so that the younger freshmen playing could see that no one was in a panic mode.
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Michael Normoyle, Men’s Swimming & Diving
The Springfield men’s swimming & diving team competed in the NEWMAC Championships this past weekend, where they finished second, their highest finish in six years. A lot of the success has to do with the emergence of freshman swimmer, Michael Normoyle, who was just recently named NEWMAC Rookie of the Year. Normoyle broke three individual school records over the weekend, setting the school, open and meet record in the 200 breaststroke. Finishing in a time of 2:02.20, Normoyle broke the previous record by over six seconds, in what was his second victory of the season. Normoyle is the first Springfield College men’s swimmer to be named NEWMAC Rookie of the Year, and is quick to give the credit for his success to his coaches and teammates.
Q. What or who do you accredit your early success to?
A. I credit my coaches, especially Coach Taffe, and the upperclassmen for pushing me. Everyone works hard on the team, and this weekend at NEWMAC’s we all saw great results.
Q. How do you think you were able to break three records freshman year?
A. It’s been exciting being a freshman and not knowing what to expect. I set goals at the beginning of the season. I wanted to break the 100 and 200 breaststroke school records. Breaking the 200 IM record and getting an A cut for the NCAA Championships next month was a surprise for me.
Q. How does it feel being named NEWMAC Rookie of the Year?
A. I was really honored to get the NEWMAC Rookie of the Year. It was a great feeling being part of this Springfield College team that finished second place at NEWMAC’s, our highest finish in six years.