Wildcats Win National Track Meet, Taylor 10th

The Indiana Wesleyan University women's track & field team overcame both tough opponents and tough driving conditions to win the NCCAA National Championship in Findlay, Ohio on Saturday. A balanced attack netted 11 school records and 3 national records enroute to 130 points. The closest opposition included Cedarville, the NAIA National Champions in cross country with 98 and the defending champions, Malone College with 91. Taylor finished l0th with 7 points.

Ashley Palmer (So., Circleville, OH) ignited the Wildcats in the days first event with a winning distance of 18'2" in the long jump. That established a school and national record and qualified Ashley for the NAJA National Championships. The depth of the Wildcats begin to show in the remainder of the field events with two ladies scoring in the Shot Put, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, High Jump and one in the Weight Throw.

Hillary Barlow (So., Warsaw, IN) and Katie Bloomquist (So., Martinsburg, PA) fed the Wildcats' flame in the running events with National Championships in the 5,000 meters (18:36.98), and the Mile

(5: 14.91), respectively. Both performances were varsity records. The Wildcats also won national championships in the 4 x 200 (1 :49.0 1), 4x 400 (4:08.35) and the Distance Medley (12:42.12)Relays. Only a second place finish in the 4 x 800 to Spring Arbor prevented a relay sweep. All 4 relays were varsity records and the 4 x 800, Distance Medley Relay, and the 4 x 400 qualified for the NAIA National meet. The 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 were national records.

As in the field events, it was the depth of the Wildcats that overwhelmed the opposition. With the exception of the 800 and 3000 meter runs, Indiana Wesleyan scored in every event. Overall 19 of the 22 Wildcats scored in the meet.

"This is easily our best performance at any track meet so far. Every one of our ladies performed to the best ofher ability today and that is the best any coach can hope for." Stated Coach John Foss, " It's been a long time since we've won an NCCAA track championship and this our first on the ladies' side. Now we have to maintain our focus for the NAIA meet and then do it allover again during the outdoor season."

The IWU coaching staff were all presented with National Coach of the Year status and Ashley Palmer earned the meets outstanding performer award. Noted Foss, " Ashley had an awesome meet and

I'm very proud ofher. Her closest competition for the award in my opinion would have been either Megan Linden or Katie Bloomquist. A lot of ladies had such great days, it was hard to differentiate."

The Wildcats will complete their indoor season with the NAIA National Championships in Johnson City. Tennessee on March 6-8.