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Michigan women's track splits its squad to compete in 2 events

One could say watching a track meet is like poetry in motion, but who would have thought the words of Shakespeare would apply?

"Parting is such sweet sorrow," but for the Michigan women's track and field team, it could bring sweet rewards.

The Wolverines split up to participate in two different competitions being held this weekend.

The middle distance and distance runners traveled on Wednesday night to Knoxville, Tenn., for the 30th running of the Sea Ray Relays, also known as the Dogwood Relays. This annual meet is set for the spring when the dogwoods are in bloom in the Tennessee Valley, but that is not its main attraction.

The Sea Ray Relays is one of the most competitive meets in the nation where college runners, club runners, future Olympians and past Olympians from all over the country probe the depths of their abilities.

"We are trying to get qualifying standards with some good competition in Tennessee for the middle distance and distance runners," Michigan coach James Henry said before Tuesday's practice.

Michigan senior distance runner Courtney Babcock said she was very optimistic going into Thursday's race.

"There are only about seven of us going to Tennessee, and people are geared to run really well," Babcock said. "With a small group like this, we focus more and it will make us have a really great race. This should be a really good competition for all of us, and personally I am trying to get a qualifying time."

The seven participants ran last night in the second day of events. In the 3,000-meter race, Michigan's Courtney Babcock won with a time of 9:26.64. Also placing for the Wolverines were Jennifer Barber and Katie McGregor. Barber placed seventh with a time of 9:51.42 and McGregor took eighth place, running a 9:55.07.

Michigan had two runners place in the 5,000-meter race. Jen Stuht placed 10th with a time of 17:25.74, while Marcy Akard claimed the 13th spot with a time of 17:34.23.

The rest of the team won't be so far away when they head to Ohio for the Miami Invitational.

The Miami invite will place the Wolverines against several regional teams. With a good bunch of competitors and some decent weather, this tournament could be the turning point for the rest of the outdoor season.

With two outdoor meets already past, and Michigan's results being hampered due to weather related problems , the Wolverines have a new goal in mind.

They are performing well, but even after last weekend's first place finish the team is not as confident as they desire to be.

"The ladies are struggling with their confidence level, so while we are in Ohio we want the ladies to compete, make some marks, and build up their confidence level," Henry said.