The Reviewin' & Previewin' heads down the home stretch, as there are only three installments remaining. This week, the Musings turn their eye to Audrey Walton Stadium to look at Doc McGuire's outdoor track program. I'll be honest...this is a tough one to recap and look forward just because of the size of this team. But, let's take a look back at the successes and see what perhaps is ahead for one of the great programs and coaches at Ol' Mizzou. And we'll start with the men. But before that, let's review one pretty important fact when it comes to the track programs here at Mizzou. Both programs are EXTREMELY focussed on middle and long distance events, as well as the field events, especially the throws. Other events and recruiting of said athletes tend to take a backseats to the above disciplines. With that, let's get to it.
Men's Outdoor Track - The 2009 Season
Final Conference Standing: 5th
Seniors Lost: 7 (of 45)
Impact'ers Lost: 4 placed at Big XII's.
2010 Remaining Roster Breakdown by Year: 7 seniors, 11 juniors, 19 sophomores
In the great tradition of Mizzou throwers, 2009 belonged to senior Chris Rohr. Rohr finishes as a multi-time All-American and All-Big XII achiever, as well as a Big XII Champion. He also departs as the school record holder in the weight throw and hammer throw. But for the season on the men's side, he really was the major player for the squad. Other seniors who contributed at the Big XII's included pole vaulter Steve Shimkus, distance runner Brian Graybill and steeplechaser Michael Barrow.
Looking Ahead - The 2010 Season
So what of the returners? That list is headed by a tremendous duo of decathletes in senior-to-be Nick Adcock and future junior Lars Rise. Both are multi-time All-Americans and Adcock is a Big XII Champ (on the indoor side) to boot, and Adcock will be representing the US in International competitions this summer. Both should be expected to repeat as All-Americans next season and score for the Tigers all season long. They will be joined by senior-to-be Brian Hancock, who is an All-American performer in the pole vault. Future senior Andy Oaker will try to fill the big shoes of Rohr in the throwing pit, but he has placed at the Big XII's previously in the shot put. His classmate Daniel Hunter will look to return to the scoring column at the Big XII's as well, along with fellow upcoming senior Tim Cornell. On the younger side, 400 meter runner Chris Davis, a junior to be placed well in two events this past year. Future sophomore Dan Quigley should also make an impact in the steeplechase, as should his classmate Blake Irwin in the 800 meters.
With an eye on the future, the Tigers are bringing in a number of throwers, many of whom were chronicled back when we took a look at the Indoor Track team. No sense in re-writing what has already been penned, so check out the post there for the names of the future, which you can also take a look at here For the men, though they lost a huge member of the squad in Rohr, they certainly do return a solid amount of upper classmen talent. Look for them to still finish middle of the pack in the Big XII's and put some folks on the scoring tables at the NCAA's.
Women's Outdoor Track - The 2009 Season
Final Conference Standing: 7th
Seniors Lost: 4 (of 43)
Impact'ers Lost: 2 placed at Big XII's.
2010 Remaining Roster Breakdown by Year: 10 seniors, 8 juniors, 21 sophomores
Sheesh...of 88 total participants between the two teams, almost half of them (40) were freshmen this past season. Anyway, the ladies were even younger than the men this past year, with only a small handful of seniors leading the team. Two of them in particular were quite successful, as thrower Krishna Lee and multi-sport specialist Kaela Rorvig were two huge contributors for the program. Lee finished earning her first All-American honor in the outdoor circuit on top of a Big XII title in the hammer throw. Rorvig departs as a multi-time All-Big XII honoree. Ellen Ries and Elisha Hunt also have completed their eligibility.
Looking Ahead - The 2010 Season
So, with 39 of 43 spots coming back for the Tigers, what can we expect for the '10 season? For one, big things from a couple of solid performers on the track. Shannon Leinart will become a senior and is a force in the 800 meters and the defending Big XII champion. Leslie Farmer, just a freshman, had a tremendous season, completing it with a 7th place finish in the 400 meters at the USA Championships. Future sophomore Katie Vandersall may be the next in the line of great thrower, as she earned an All-Big XII honor this past season in the discus. Future seniors Lindsey Boldt and Lauren Begany will help take some of the sting out of the departure of Rorvig, as both had good showings at the Big XII's. And of course, let's not forget the class coming in, which can be can be accessed above.
I think the ladies may see a slight fall off next season unless they get some good development from folks who may not have been in the discussion this past season. However, Leinart and Farmer should be plenty solid for the group and repeat their performances.
Random Thoughts:
- Got to see the end of the Marquette/Mizzou 2nd round NCAA hoops game from this past season (was in Mexico when it happened). Saw the last three minutes (thanks CBS College Sports). Wow did Buzz Williams look bad griping, though I've not seen a confluence of things to hit a team like that in some time.
- Gus Williams now calls boxing and MMA for Showtime...you do the math on how that sounds
- Glad to see the Devils were able to avoid arbitration with one of their young talents in Zajac. Next up will be figuring out how to keep Paul Martin
- The Mets seem to have it going in a better direction, but I am guessing it is going to be too little too late. With so many big names out of the lineup, I am glad they did not try to use what talent they do have in the minors to make a splashy move.
- As the Tailgate Queen and I are finding out...being married SUCKS for tax purposes.