Last weekend served as a tune-up meet for the high-flying women's track team. They competed against three other teams in one final regular season meet at College of Saint Benedict.

The Ole women won that meet handily, and came away from the competition with an overall good impression of their performance, feeling that they had really come together for this contest. Many athletes achieved personal bests at the meet, which is a good indication of momentum heading into the MIAC Championship this weekend.

One of those athletes performing at her peak was sophomore Megan Daymont. Her 800-meter time of 2:15.42 not only qualified her for competition in the National meet, but also broke a St. Olaf record that had been standing for over twenty years. After an outstanding cross country season, Daymont appears to be showing no signs of letting up as the spring track season rolls around.

Janet Hengel, a senior captain, had an excellent day on the pole vault as well.

This team is well suited for indoor track competitions, where more emphasis is placed on medium distance runs. "We have a smorgasbord of mid-distance runners," said coach Chris Daymont.

Experience and maturity are key factors in any sport, and that is difficult to find in a team as young as this one. Over half of the competing women this season are first-year students, and are being depended on to dive right into the college athletic scene. The seniors that are on the team, however, have provided great leadership. Coach Daymont has faith that her women will remain strong throughout the season.

The women's team has plenty of talented people developing. "Everywhere you go [at the meet] there's an Ole," said senior captain Anne Sateren affectionately.

Despite the strict divisions that track and field events can cause, this female Ole team sticks together. Those who aren't immediately in any competition cheer on their teammates, providing a little added motivation.

This weekend will provide the women's team with a good deal of challenging competition. Sights will be set on such teams as the University of St. Thomas and Concordia-Moorhead College. These are considered the teams to beat for a chance at winning the conference.

Coach Daymont and her athletes are aiming for a top-three or four finish. Just like the team has done all season, everyone will once again have to step up and add strong performances for team success. "All the sweat and tears are going to pay off," said sophomore thrower Emily Uzzell, who is also a captain.

These intrepid women venture to St. John's University this weekend to test their mettle, and will no doubt give everything they've got to get their success.