After enjoying a truly memorable season unlike any in the history of the program, the University of Redlands track & field team looks forward to building on that momentum during the 2012 campaign. Last season was highlighted by both groups winning its respective conference title, with the women earning their third crown in four years and the men ending a 47-year championship drought. Head Coach Mike Schmidt embarks upon his fifth season at the helm with high expectations for another historical run as different competitors step up to lead the Bulldogs to the next level.
Among the veterans, Redlands welcomes back a total of 10 NCAA qualifiers who bring incredible national experience and determination for further achievement. With their high-caliber abilities, they set the stage for the upcoming campaign.
Nevertheless, the Maroon and Gray squad remains committed to its established philosophy of focusing on the whole squad.
"Our emphasis continues to be about the team," commented Schmidt. "We train together, we meet together, and our team goals rank first ahead of any individual goals."
After graduating a large decorated group, Redlands looks to a hearty class of first-year Bulldogs to make varying levels of contributions during the 2012 campaign.
"We filled in with newcomers of great variety," Schmidt stated. "We have a big roster with a big freshman class."
With so many new faces comes the challenge of keeping everyone on the same page. But Schmidt has the luxury of relying on his returning student-athletes to follow through with that charge.
"We have a lot of leaders who are instilling the winning traditions that were established by their predecessors," Schmidt added. "They're doing a great job for us."
Highlighted by the return of six national qualifiers from a year ago, the Bulldog men boast a strong core from their recent record-setting season that promises to steer the team in the right direction.
Overall, the sprinters boast incredible depth, with a great freshman class to complement the upperclassmen.
A pair of All-Americans in junior Ryan Shorey (Hollister, CA) and senior Richard Nakaoka (Redondo Beach, CA) strives to build upon their stellar experiences that include a fourth-place finish in the 4x400m Relay at the NCAA Championships. Count on them to step into even bigger roles in 2012.
Junior Daniel Wallengren (Calabasas, CA) enters his third season with high hopes as one of the SCIAC's best 400m competitors, while senior Matt Meuser (Portland, OR) rejoins the team after an impressive off-season of development.
"We really expect big things from the returning sprinters," Schmidt offered.
Arriving on the scene as viable contenders, freshmen Taylor Browning (Carbondale, CO) and Darren Centi (Auburn, CA) bring solid high-school experience in the 400m, which also positively impacts the 1600m relay.
In addition, the Bulldogs return the SCIAC's 400m Hurdle Champion in senior Cameron Clark (Bellevue, WA). His two-time All-America experiences set him apart as a viable threat in the hurdles and relays.
Utilizing his strengths as a sprinter, sophomore Anthony Monahan (Bellevue, WA) joins Clark in the 110 Hurdles.
Finally, count on sophomore Darron Usher (Yucaipa, CA) to build off of last season's showing at the SCIAC Championships, where he completed the meet as the highest point-scorer. Besides being a great team player, his talents bode well for the hurdles and jumping events.
With Usher leading the crew, the Bulldogs look to junior Spencer Dellhime (Highland, CA) to return to action as a developed jumper after spending last spring abroad. His dedication and talent extend across two sports, with his back-up goalkeeping for the nationally-ranked men's soccer team serving him well.
Following a fall season with the football team, freshman Emeka Anigbogu (Temecula, CA) joins the track & field program as an athletic and talented jumper who provides depth for the Maroon and Gray.
Redlands expects big performances from the throwers with All-Conference standouts, senior Ricardo Anzar and sophomore Jorge Cervantes (Indio, CA), heading up this contingent with strong leadership and skill, particularly in the Discus and Shot Put.
Equipped with an excellent off-season of training, senior Patrick Morgan (Portland, OR) and sophomore Chris Bode (Elk, WA) serve each other well as they push each other in their run at the SCIAC title in the Javelin Throw.
The Bulldog pole-vaulters excitedly return SCIAC Champion junior Bryan Artmann (Henderson, NV), who holds big goals for his third season. In addition, junior Cory Colbath (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and Bode add depth to this vertical jump.
Rounding out the squad, Redlands returns a capable corps of middle-distance runners, with senior Duncan Ashby (Goleta, CA) leading by example after a stellar cross country season. Junior Tom Marshall (Hillsboro, OR) joins forces with him as a 2011 national qualifier in the 4x400m Relay. The squad also expects sophomore Derik Harrison (Centennial, CO) and Bolt to provide depth and versatility to this facet of the team.
The Bulldogs' four returning national qualifiers from last year's impressive showing serve as an established base for the 2012 women's team, inspiring additional achievement from veterans and newcomers alike.
The sprinting corps stands out as a strong force, with junior All-American Vainayaki Sivaji (North Hollywood, CA) setting the tone with her multiple awards and accomplishments. In addition, she brings an improved running technique, which raises her already high standard of excellence.
The talented and versatile junior Ashley Lively (Las Vegas, NV) also embarks upon her third season with the ability to impact many facets of the team's scoring. Perhaps the best all-around athlete among the women, this national qualifier works to show off her skills in the sprints and Pole Vault.
Sophomore Hannah Minderhout (Santa Monica, CA) rounds out the high-caliber returnees of this group, while freshman Alexandra Blalock (Indian Wells, CA) and freshman dual-sport student-athlete Amy Pumputis (Redmond, WA) arrive on the scene as viable contributors to multiple sprints.
The Bulldogs count on the distance crew to step up with sizeable scoring. Following a breakout cross country season, senior Emily Canales (Redlands, CA) looks to continue her success in the Steeplechase as a national contender and school record-holder. Look for her to step up in other events, like the 1500m and 5000m.
"Emily has just consistently gotten better throughout her career," Schmidt commented. "We expect more of the same."
Freshman Della Lyle (Buffalo, WY) erupted on the scene during the fall cross country season and boasts even better range as a track competitor. Count on her to successfully experiment in various races before focusing her efforts.
Junior Madison Smith (Redlands, CA) picks up right where she left on a year ago, shining in the 1500m, while sophomore Courtney Mera (Redlands, CA) looks forward to making a big impact in the middle-distance events.
Among the field events, Redlands reloads the lineup with strong contenders who combine efforts with a small group of veterans. With the ability to impact all four throws, sophomore transfer Sabrina Grandke-Bawab (Kirkland, WA) makes her debut as potentially one of the top shot-putters in the conference. Newcomer Maddy Smith (Hoquiam, WA) looks to continue her family's line of accomplished Bulldogs, competing in the Javelin Throw and High Jump like her All-American sister, Mackenzie.
Redlands boasts a fresh look among the jumpers with a quartet of rookies making immediate moves. Beyond Smith, the team holds high hopes for freshman Vianna Amabile (Temecula, CA), who also vies for opportunities in the 400m. While looking forward to a stellar first season, Blalock joins the squad after an accomplished high-jumping career in high school and freshman Lauren Tritz (Orange, CA) provides important depth to all jumps.
In addition, the Maroon and Gray welcomes back sophomore Victoria Fakalata (East Palo Alto, CA) to the Shot Put once the basketball season concludes. Senior Kelsey McDonald (Vienna, Austria) returns to the Hammer Throw after a solid year of technique development.
After an impressive high-school career, Merritt ten Hope (Phoenix, AZ) teams up with Lively as a dynamic duo in the Pole Vault. Mix in Minderhout, junior Christina Donavan (Beaverton, OR) and freshman Alyssa Wendt (Orinda, CA) and the Bulldogs boast a competitive and deep group of pole-vaulters.
With familiar faces and talented newcomers, the Bulldogs sit primed to make a run at back-to-back SCIAC titles while recording impressive times and marks along the way. With the conference scoring based on results at the multi-dual meets and the championship weekend, Redlands relies on its depth for success at every turn of the season.
"We have a complete team, which helps us at the multi-duals," stated Schmidt. "We have goals for everyone on this team, something to strive for, which will make an impact."
As the squad looks forward to hosting the SCIAC Championships on April 27-28, Redlands' motivation and dedication remain high for the coming months. This honor spurs the team onto the next level while creating priceless momentum for the NCAA Championships.
"We can't wait to host the SCIAC Championships. We have some of the best facilities in Division III, and I know it will be a great experience for not only our student-athletes, but the SCIAC student-athletes," Schmidt added.
