While many students were focusing their attention on the action of the Big Green basketball teams, Dartmouth men's and women's track and field squads brought some light to an otherwise dreary Hanover weekend.
Saturday and Sunday, Levrone Field House welcomed back the indoor Heptagonal meet with the Ivy League schools plus the Naval Academy racing for the title.
Dartmouth men's and women's teams each put forth a strong effort, capturing fourth place and second place, respectively. While they remained at the head of the pack throughout, neither squad could stick with Pennsylvania which managed an impressive sweep.
The highlight of the weekend was the women's overall strong showing. Dominating the distance and throwing events, the Big Green surprised a competitive field.
Dartmouth's Maribel Sanchez '96 looked strong, winning the 3,000 and 5,000 meter runs. Her teammates were not far behind, however, as Jenna Rogers '96 earned a second place finish in the 5,000, and Kristin Manwaring '96 achieved the same standing in the 3,000. In addition, Rogers came in third in the 3,000, proving the Big Green's domination of the event.
Manwaring did not have much time to appreciate her strong performance, as she found herself back on the track in 30 minutes, and on her way to victory in the mile.
"I was pretty nervous ... but once the race began, I felt good and regained my confidence," Manwaring said. "Overall, I felt the team had a good day. Because we're a small team, we didn't have anyone entered in the sprints at the end, but those events where we had runners we did well."
In the throwing events, Amy Winchester '96 lived up to the expectations, winning her fifth Heptagonal shot put title and her first weight throw championship. Pleased with the team's showing and her personal accomplishments, Winchester is looking forward to the remainder of the year.
"Next week at Easterns, I'm hoping to throw [the shot] over 50 feet to qualify for nationals," Winchester said. "As a team, we're really looking forward to the spring where we hope to continue to surprise people."
Manwaring added, "Hopefully the chips will fall in our favor, and we'll win it all this spring."
For the men, the weekend was marked with mild disappointment, but the team remains optimistic.
"We had some tough breaks in some events, but those things aren't under our control," said Alex Ghanotakis '97, the weight throw champion. "We had a good chance this weekend, but we feel we're a better outdoor team, and our real chance for a Hep championship will come this spring."
Greg Johnston '99, provided additional spark to the men's efforts with a close second in the 55 meter hurdles and a thrilling victory in the pentathlon.
"Coming in, I was seeded first, but I had never competed against those guys before," Johnston said. "I just took it one event at a time, and pulled it out in the end. The team's support was great, though. Without them pulling for me on every corner, I couldn't have done it."
Co-Captain Jack Dwyer '96 had a strong showing as well, finishing fifth in the 3,000 and second in the 5,000, the event he has qualified in for nationals.
With the indoor season nearly complete, both squads look forward to further success in the spring. The teams will travel to California for spring break training and hope to come back poised for another run at a Heptagonal title.
