University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Track and Field Season Opens at ASU on Saturday
12.03.2010 | Track and Field
"We're really pleased to get started and see where we're at," commented Asheville coach Jesse Norman. "I like the way our student-athletes have worked and really have improved since they got back in August but we'll have a better gauge after this weekend."
The Bulldogs have a good nucleus back for each team. The men's squad will be led by senior javelin thrower Simon Haake. The senior qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Regional last spring in the javelin and finished fourth at the Big South Conference meet as he just missed finishing in the top three.
"Simon has done a wonderful job improving during his career here," declared Norman. "He'll be one of our leaders this year both on and off the track."
Senior sprinter Natalie Pearson will be one to look out for the Bulldogs this year both in indoor and outdoor. Pearson red-shirted last year during the indoor season and then had a fantastic outdoor season. She became the first UNC Asheville track and field athlete to qualify for the NCAA National Championships in the 200 meters. Pearson will not run tomorrow but should run later in the year.
"Both of our teams have a nice mix of youth and experience," stated Norman. "We'll see where we're at on Saturday."
Both teams will have some time off after Saturday's meet for exams and the Christmas break. They'll compete on Jan. 15 when the Bulldogs head to Appalachian State again, this time for the Appalachian Open.
