BLOG 3: Inspired Bulldog track and field team reaching new heights

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – The Ferris men’s and women’s track and field teams have been competing with new attitudes this season in the few opportunities they’ve had to compete thus far.

Last weekend, Ferris was in Allendale competing in the D2 Challenge hosted by Grand Valley State University. The Bulldogs had a number of strong performances that perhaps are indicative of a new feeling of inspiration among members of the team so far this winter.

Senior distance runner Mikinzie Stuart is one of the players running with a particularly high level of energy as she won the mile run in 4:57.22 (a number that broke the meet record and made the national provisional qualifying time). Additionally, Stuart’s effort will go down as the second-best time in school indoor meet history.

Not to be outdone, sophomore Tina Muir, an All-American during cross country season, had a strong showing as she won the 3,000 meter run (9:51.57) and broke the meet and school indoor record of 9:53.36 (held by Jenny Irwin, one of the greatest distance runners in Ferris history) set in 2006.

On the men’s side, another standout performance for the Bulldogs was turned in by junior Matt Jozwiak as he placed second in the 800 (1:53.79), but met the national provisional qualifying mark. It was the second-best time in Ferris indoor track and field history.

Track and field coach Steve Picucci, who really has enjoyed the opportunity to begin working with the cross country/track and field athletes, was particularly proud of the way his student-athletes performed and was especially proud of the efforts of Stuart, Muir and Jozwiak.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com