ANGOLA, Ind.-- Led by a returning All-American, the Trine women's track and field team will open the season this Saturday when the team hosts the Trine Conditioner in Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Athletic Recreation Center.
Leading the returners is 2015 All-American weight thrower Kara Eck (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb). The sophomore is coming off a season in which she placed sixth in the nation in the weight throw at the NCAA Division III National Championships. Eck set school records in both the weight throw and shot put. She will anchor what projects to be a strong group of Thunder throwers and figures to contend for another trip to the national meet.
Complementing Eck's efforts in throwing events will be Jenn Steyer (Fenton, Mich./Lake Fenton). Steyer turned in solid distances in throwing events last season, eclipsing the school-record that had been set prior to last year and finishing second only to Eck in those events. Codee Colby (Michigan Center, Mich./Michigan Center) also gives the Thunder a steady performer in throwing events.
Trine's distance efforts will be led by sophomore Kyla Binfet (West Yellowstone, Mont./West Yellowstone), who will look to carry her All-MIAA Second Team performance from the cross country season onto the track. Courtney Forsythe (West Mansfield, Ohio/Benjamin Logan), Samantha Stensland (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) and Kelsey Ortiz (Swanton, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) should also figure prominently in long-distance events.
Ashtyn Capen (Saint Louis, Mich./Saint Louis) set a school-record in the 60-meter dash last year and will compete in sprints and hurdle events. Grace Connolly (Sheridan, Ill./Serena) also brings returning experience in sprint events.
Hallie Roof-Hildreth (Jasper, Mich./Sand Creek) returns as the team's to pole vaulter, while Lydia Suchecki (Spring Lake, Mich./Spring Lake) returns to lead the Thunder in jumps.
Nine freshmen will look to make an impact as well. Four of those newcomers have already gained some collegiate experience during the cross country season.
The 2015-16 season will be the inaugural season of MIAA Indoor Track and Field. The Thunder will host the first conference championship meet Saturday, Feb. 28. Prior to this year, the conference's teams had traditionally held an unofficial meet in the winter season. Trine placed fourth in last season's meet.
The season opens this Saturday with the Trine Conditioner in Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Athletic Recreation Center. Events are scheduled to get underway at 11 a.m.