Track uses balanced attack to beat Indiana

Michigan women's track coach James Henry was searching for answers when he entered Saturday's dual meet at Indiana.

Thanks to a combination of steady veterans and explosive youth, he may have found some.

The Wolverines captured victories in six events to earn their 82-67 victory.

"Our first-place finishes really helped us," middle-distance runner Tonya Cornell said.

Katie McGregor kicked off what is expected to be a solid junior campaign with double victories. McGregor captured the 800-meter run in 2:10, and continued her success, winning the mile run in 4:49. Her performances led the charge for the Wolverines.

MARGARET MYERS/Daily Michigan senior Tania Longe was one of six Wolverines to capture individual victories at Saturday's dual meet with Indiana. Longe took first in the triple jump with a jump of 40-feet-1.

McGregor's races were also rewarded with some individual honors. Both her time in the 800 and the mile were NCAA provisional-qualifying times. Earning a spot at NCAAs is impressive for any runner, but eclipsing the mark in only the second meet of the season says quite a bit about McGregor's potential.

Elizabeth Kampfe, McGregor's distance partner on the cross country squad, also had a great day in Bloomington. Kampfe finished the 3,000 in 9:39 to earn top honors at the meet. Kampfe's mark also made her an NCAA provisional qualifier.

"She was by far the distance performer of the meet," Henry said. "Katie ran well, too."

Both McGregor and Kampfe joined high jumper Nicole Forrester as early NCAA qualifiers.Youth was the word of the day as Michigan took the top two spots in the 400-meter dash.

Freshman Tamika Craig edged out Regine Caruthers for the victory. Craig posted a time of 57:81, with Caruthers close behind at 58:00. Any concerns Henry may have had in the long sprints can temporarily be laid to rest, as both Craig and Caruthers ran like veterans.

"They filled a void that we didn't have last year," Henry said.

The Wolverines flexed their muscles in the field events as well. Brandi Bentley jumped 18-5 to win the long jump. Bentley beat out teammate Tania Longe to earn the victory.

Longe did get a piece of the glory, though. Her performance of 40-feet-1 in the triple jump bested all others, earning Longe the victory.

Michigan returns home next weekend to continue what has been a solid season so far. The Wolverines will compete in the Red Simmons Invitational at the Track and Tennis Building on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

01-20-98