Marietta College Men’s Track & Field Preview
Dec. 6, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College men’s track team looks to be much improved from a year ago. With head coach Derek Stanley at the helm completing his first full year at MC and the introduction of new assistant coach Chris Basich (throws), and returning effort of Ben Halder (sprints/hurdles), the leadership is in place to create an environment that will breed success in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
“Establishing a competitive program in the OAC is a top priority for this program,” says Stanley. “This team is step in that direction.”
Among the returnees who will make an impact on the team are seniors Chris Taylor (high jump) and Darkeevin Peoples (sprints), juniors Eric Finn (throws) and Clark Spears (distance) and sophomores Jason Curry (sprints/long jump) and Tim Roberts (hurdles), all who participated at the conference meet last year. These individuals will not only be looked to for their athletic talents but their team leadership and work ethic as well. All qualified to the conference championships and Taylor provisionally qualified to the NCAA Division III Championships in the high jump.
A bevy of new rookies will add to the Pioneer firepower on the track and in the field. Sophomore Anthony Banks, transfer Joe Webb, and freshman Justin Paparella look to bring much needed speed to the team. The freshman duo of John Hull and Harrison Potter will follow up their cross country efforts for the distance team this spring. Finally, in the field events the team will look to freshmen Dan DeZordo (throws) and Travis Barth (jumps).
The team has been training since mid-September and is excited to showcase their talents at the opening meet of the indoor season on Saturday (Dec. 11). The meet is the first of six home competitions for the Pioneer men.
“The team is growing and changing, fitting right in with the athletic program shift that Marietta is experiencing,” added Stanley. “Our school is on the rise with its athletic programs and track & field is going to be at the forefront of that effort!”
