Leading Amherst in this division are returning runners Janak Chandrasmama '04 and Brian Hart '03, who will both compete in the 4x400 meter relay. In addition, Cooper led the team in the 600m indoor in the winter and hopes to convert his success to the 800m this spring. Though the Jeffs will benefit from the recovery of Hart, whose indoor season was hindered by a case of achilles tendonitis and the return of Brett Richey '03, who underwent knee surgery in the fall, the middle distance runners will lose the experience and dedication of Kozyak, who suffered a stress fracture in his foot and will not be able to compete this spring.
Long distance runners to watch include John Stanton-Geddes '04, who recently qualified provisionally for Nationals in the 1500. The sophomore was the only man to reach the scoreboard at the ECAC Winter Track Championships on March 4. Geddes achieved the same finish in the 1500 at the Division III NCAA Championships in Ohio during the winter season.
The 4x800 team will be especially strong, having secured a top finish already at NCAAs in the winter with their third place, 8:05 finish time. With four 800m runners under two minutes-Andy Schneider '04, David Molina '05, Jack Morgan '05 and Stanton-Geddes-the team looks for impressive finishes in this event. Also returning for the distance runners are Alex Lenkoski '03 and Rusty Ryan '02, who will give the otherwise young team experience and leadership. In addition, freshman Zeke Phillips looks to be competitive in the 5,000 meter run and has been working on his steeplechase form, potentially making the unique 3K steeplechase his signature event.
For the sprinters, returning hurdler Hayes finished well for the Jeffs in the indoor 55m high hurdles, but is even stronger in the 110m hurdles, an outdoor event which requires more finesse and stamina.
For the field events, thrower Julian Gibson '05, now having had a season of collegiate competition under his belt, will be a boost to the team scoring.
From the start, the Jeffs will be working towards the NESCAC and Open New England meets, which are two of the most important for the season, besides Nationals. In the NESCAC conference, both Williams College and Wesleyan University are strong competitors, although each have their weaknesses. Amherst hopes to contend for the top spots with both of these teams, especially in the mid-distance events.
"The season will be a great preview of what is to come," said Stanton-Geddes. With a strong group of sophomore and freshman runners, no matter how this season pans out, the team is working hard to lay a foundation for a successful and dominating future.