After a strong showing in Albuquerque at the New Mexico Lobo Opener this past weekend, the women's track and field team demonstrated their skills and walked away with medals as a result.
"It was a good opener for us. We had a lot of good performances that showed we're well ahead of where we were at this point in time last year." Assistant coach Paul Harkins said. "We got four wins overall at the meet, which anytime you go to Albuquerque and get some wins on the board, that's nice to do."
Among the Aggies' several medalists was Leah Benton, who won the 60 meter dash with a time of 7.6 seconds. Brittany Hurtado also took first in the 1000 meter run with a time of three minutes and nine seconds. In the field events, Jordan Veney led the way with a first place finish in the weight throw and a third place finish in the shot put. Corissa Hutchinson also earned a first place finish of her own in the shot put, throwing for 43-10.5.
"It gave us a good opener and gave us an idea where we're at after break," Harkins said. "It set the tone really well and we are ready to head forward."
For some of the team, this was a chance to prove themselves as athletes, especially the newcomers.
"It was a low key enough meet that our freshman, the young kids that have never competed at the Division I level before were able to get their feet wet," assistant coach Meaghan Gregory said. "This weekend is going to be our first true test of the season as to where we stand and what we're going to do with the season."
For the Aggies, improving the program is definitely priority number one. Last year, NMSU finished ninth in the standings for the Western Athletic Conference for indoor track and eighth for outdoor track. However, the team is very hopeful to turn things around this year.
"From day one we just wanted to make this program better. I think we've definitely started to do that." Harkins said. "It's a long process but sometimes you get lucky with recruits and things like that. We're going to have a lot more confidence going forward this year."
The Aggies not only achieve on the track or in the field, but also in the classroom. Juniors Ingrid Flores and Jordan Veney were named to the Division I All-Academic team, according to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
"There's a lot of upward momentum with the team right now. There is a certain amount of excitement." Gregory said. "They have set high goals and expectations for themselves. They're excited to see how far that can take them this year and then beyond."
The team will be back in action this Saturday as they make the trek back up I-25 to compete in the Cherry and Silver Invitational in Albuquerque Events start at 10 a.m. with the first women's event starting at 10:35 a.m.
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