A&M-Commerce prepares to kick off track season

<b>Men's</b>

The men's track and field team at Texas A&M University-Commerce is about to start their first season under new head coach Darren Schneider. Schneider spent the past 10 years as the head men's track and field coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Schneider has one thing in mind for this year: improve.

"I'm pleased at where we're at, but I want more," Schneider said. "We have to make progress in different areas on and off the field. We have a lot of strong runners and sprinters, but we need more jumpers. We have to keep adding. There are a lot of holes to fill."

Schneider wants his team to have success on the national level.

"In the next two to four years, this team will be at the top once again," Schneider said.

Schneider has brought in some new members to the team. He feels they will play a key role in the team's success this year and in the future. Freshmen thrower Joel Howe is one of these players.

"He can add a lot to the program," Schneider said. "If he improves over time, he will be good for the university for the next couple of years."

Distance runners Nathan White and Ross Hicks, sprinter Joel Day and hurdler Craig Shelton are also highly rated by Schneider.

"They give us a lot of depth and can make an impact right now," Schneider said.

Even with the newcomers, Schneider has many veterans that can carry his team.

Sprinter Chad Washington, also a member of the A&M-Commerce football team, is expected to have a good year for the team. Sprinters Albert Sinegal, Cairo Thornton and Desmond Randall run the 400 meters and are also expected to contribute to the team's success. Middle distance runner Robert Reed and long distance runners Brandon Womack and Tyler Tyndell are predicted to continue their successful ways.

Schneider believes jumper Kyle Weaver can do more than just jumping.

"He's an all-around athlete and can be very successful for us," Schneider said.

Last year, Weaver competed in the high jump, triple jump and long jump. This season will be slightly different for him, as he will be competing in decathlons.

A decathlon is an athletic event consisting of ten track and field events from running and throwing to jumping. This event tests an individual's strength, speed, stamina, endurance and perseverance.

"Since this is my first year doing this, I want to place top five in the conference and give my team some points," Weaver said. "In the future, I want to win the whole thing."

The team's first event will be held on Feb. 27 at Memorial Stadium. It will be a small meet between three or four teams.

<b>Women's</b>

Sara Davis is entering her second year as the head coach for the women's track and field team at A&M-Commerce. Davis has already made an impact with the team. They now have a relay team, something they did not have last year.

"This year, we have two relay teams, 4-by-1 and 4-by-4," Davis said.

Getting a relay team was one of Davis' goals for this year.

Davis has brought in her expertise from UCLA. She was coached by one of the nation's most successful track and field coaches, Bob Kersee. She earned All-American honors in the sprints and was a member of a school record setting relay at UCLA.

Davis brings in her work ethic and intensity from UCLA to help the team.

"The intensity level is different compared to NCAA Division I," Davis said. "I want to raise this team's intensity and their expectations."

Davis feels the sprinters are this team's strength.

"Makesha Brewer is returning this year and you should look out for Billie Marshall," Davis said.

Jakeshia King and transfer sophomore Charnita Hollands are two other members Davis has high hopes for.

King was a member of Paul H. Pewitt High School's second-place 4x100-meter relay and sixth-place 4x200-meter relay teams at the state meet during her senior year.

Hollands attended Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for one year before transferring to A&M-Commerce and is a four-year letter winner in track and field at Molina High School.

The women's track and field team also has some highly rated throwers on the team. Senior Taylor Smith and junior Sunny Henderson predict the team will do better this year than last.

"We want to have better placing and have more national qualifiers," Henderson said.

Both Henderson and Smith want to be All-Americans at the end the season.

Last year, Henderson finished 11th at the NCAA Championships in the javelin and 11th in the 100-meter hurdles at the Lone Star Conference Championships. Smith finished ninth in the shot put and 11th in the hammer throw at the LSC Championships.

The first meet for the women's team is on Feb 27, same as the men's team.

"The first meet is like a glorified practice," Davis said. "It's like a scrimmage compared to football. This lets us see where we are."

Davis plans to rebuild to track and field team at A&M-Commerce.

"For the next few years, we're going to exceed all expectations," Davis said.