Victory thrills even proven champs

WEST LAFAYETTE - It was a scene that epitomized the highs and lows of a three day "marathon," known as the Big Ten women's track and field meet.

Angie Stanifer had just won a wrenching 800-meter run at the wire, and no sooner had she looked up smiling than Nicole Forrester swooped down from the high jump pits with a congratulatory hug.

Forrester is taller than most men, so Stanifers' bulging gave away some distress.

"I looked out from the corner of my eye and this huge girl just came running toward me and I thought, 'oh god, please don't knock me down.'"

Mix some pain, triumph, fear and a dash of comedy and you get a team which probably never had a legitimate chance to win this weekend, but always believed they could.

Brandi Bentley's electrifying victory in the long jump was easily upstaged - by her joyful celebration.

After sticking her final jump, Bentley began to jog as if about to leave the track, then whirled around and sprinted back towards the judges for the verdict.

A few seconds later, Bentley turned around raised her arms and screamed, sending the Michigan faithful into a frenzy.

It looked as if Bentley would break into hand spring at any moment.

Katie McGregor's victory in the 5,000 meters, her first Big Ten outdoor track title, was akin to Dale Earnheardt finally winning a Daytona 500 for most track observers.

"McGregor finally won one," was repeated so many times by various spectators, one would think the scoreboard was subliminally flashing the phrase.

"I was happy with it," McGregor woefully understated.

Don't let McGregor's steely demeanor fool you - she was thrilled.

Arch rival Jeanelle Deatheradge and Jenni Westphal stunned McGregor in the previous 3,000 and 1,500 meters, drafting off of McGregor until overtaking her in the final lap with Dudley kicks.

This is a tried-and-true track tactic, but you got the feeling that McGregor deserved a more respectable effort from her counterparts.

Finally, McGregor dropped her own hammer in the 5,000 meter turning on the burners in the last 300 meters and not letting up until her first place trophy was ensured.

"It epitomizes all of the work I've put in and I finally have something to show for it, " McGregor said.

That may as well speak for the entire Michigan team.

05-24-99