Mortimer out for Duke

By David Mosse

Daily Sports Writer

After a week off, the Michigan men's track and field team returns to action this week as they travel to Durham, N.C. to compete in the Duke Invitational. The Wolverines are hoping to continue their solid start to the outdoor campaign as they take on a rugged field that includes over 80 schools.

Head Coach Ron Warhurst plans to bring a large 30-man contingent to Carolina, for what he terms a "highly competitive meet." Warhurst hopes the one week hiatus prepared the Wolverines for this difficult test.

"It gave our guys a chance to regroup after being away for so long," Warhurst said. "The guys knew what they had to work on and are in better shape."

The only two notable absences will be distance runner John Mortimer and jumper Oded Padan. Mortimer is still bothered by soreness in his leg but is expected back soon. Padan's situation is a bit more complicated. A variety of medical tests have yet to pinpoint the exact source of his ailment. His status for the rest of the season is extremely cloudy.

"I told Oded I need him back by the Ohio State Quadrangular" on April 22nd ,Warhurst said. "That is a scoring meet and we need his points."

Two Wolverines who haven't skipped a beat since the indoor campaign are distance runners Steve Lawrence and Mike Wisniewski. Lawrence, who garnered All-American honors indoors, is off to a flying a start. Two weeks ago at the Stanford Quadrangular, Lawrence scored the second-fastest time in the Big Ten thus far, in the 10,000 meters. Not far behind was Wisniewski, who posted the third fastest time in the conference.

The most impressive performer of the young season has been pole vaulter Charles DeWildt, who has rebounded well from the disappointment of not qualifying for the NCAA Championships during indoor season. Dewildt's performance at the Florida State Relays landed him the top spot in the Big Ten Rankings.

These strong showings, coupled with the return to health of sprinter Ike Okenwa and distance runner Jay Cantin, have Warhurst very optimistic.

"I like where we are right now," Warhurst said. "The guys are working really hard and it bodes well for the future."

This weekend's competition will be held in Wallace Wade Stadium, the site of the NCAA Championships in early June, where many Wolverines hope to end their season. But Warhurst warns against expecting too much at this early juncture in the season.

"It's like Spring Training," Warhurst said. "We are still feeling our way and finding out what different guys can do."