Women come from behind to secure second-straight trophy

In the waning moments of this years Big Ten Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships, a chant rang out on the campus of Ohio State University, the host school.

"It's great! To be! A Michigan Wolverine!"

Of the remaining friends, family, fans, and opponents few could disagree with that claim.

On a weekend that asked the Wolverines to report at 9 a.m. at a rival school to compete at championship level, the women responded with all the enthusiasm, heart, and desire of a champion - a conference champion.

"It was something we talked about. It was something we wanted to do," Michigan coach James Henry said.

Henry was responding to his teams goal of winning "back to back" conference championships.

With an effort that seemed like the tale of two cities, the two door Indoor track and field championships ended with Michigan accomplishing their goal of sealing a second Big Ten title in as many years.

During the 18-event competition, the Wolverines experienced a string of emotions that took them from the pinnacle of glee to the cellar of disbelief. After day one of the two day meet, the Wolverines found themselves down big to an extremely dominant Wisconsin and Purdue team.

"Some of the girls are disappointed," assistant coach Mike McGuire said of their team's placing after day one.

More disappointing is the fact that the Wolverines ended the day by finishing second in an event they should have won.

The distance medley relay asked four Wolverines to try and regain some of the confidence that may have been lost because of the surprising dominance of the other Big Ten schools.

During the 11:41 second race - which happened to be the main event of the day - Michigan saw a familiar sight - a Badger passing them on the outside. This time, disbelief was the prevailing emotion.

And in case it seemed like somehow the Wolverines would find a way to turn on the jets, a freshman Badger running the anchor made sure there would be no extra thrust for the Wolverines.

Although this event resulted in a loss of only two points in the final tally, it still set a tone that would carry into the evening and the final day of competition.

Sophomore Erin White who gave up the lead for the Wolverines when she was handed the baton from leadoff runner Katie McGregor, couldn't hold back the disappointment.

Those tears represented the emotion that this competition was all about.

After the Wolverines were presented their Big Ten Championship trophy the next day, a much calmer White reflected on the event.

"I wish I could have contributed more for the team," she said.

Perhaps a little too critical of herself, this event was not about individual performance - neither is this team.

"It took a collective effort," said McGregor.

This consummate performance was all the more apparent to Michigan's star athlete when she reflected on her performance on the first day.

"I'm not too happy with it," she said of her time in the 3,000 meters. "I didn't help the team out. I hope to do something tomorrow."

When Sunday eventually came the Wolverines showed up.

They did this with the help of a well though out plan of attack, devised by McGuire.

"I do a projection sheet," he said. I know what they have coming in and I plan accordingly."

Step one of this plan was to get Sunday off to a good start by a win in the high jump, which senior Nicole Forrester supplied, and a strong day of running to follow. The latter was accomplished by having 11 track qualifiers to Purdue's five.

This plan that took a season to develop and about six hours to be carried out.

With it was created a kaleidoscope of emotions that were displayed on each and every Wolverine in French Field House.

And as time goes by, and the months give way to years, these memories and lessons are the things that will remain. These things will last longer than any championship plaque or team victory photo.

So in future years when fans gaze through a display case at the 1999 women's track & field team's accomplishments, all that will be left will be a picture. A picture worth a 1000 words, and written with a heavy hand of emotion.

02-22-99