Michigan runners seek redemption at Big Tens

By Ron Garber

and David Mosse

Daily Sports Writers

This weekend in Bloomington, the Michigan men's track and field team can atone for last season's worst defeat.

A year ago, the young and inexperienced Wolverines struggled to a ninth - place finish in the Big Ten Championships in Madison.

In the midst of disappointment, then-assistant coach Ron Warhurst stood next to the track and boldly proclaimed, "next year we're gonna be one of the teams to beat."

One year older and one year wiser, Michigan looks to make good on those predictions. Warhurst, now the team's head coach after replacing the retired Jack Harvey, has instilled that same confidence into his squad this year.

"Everybody's real ready and focused," sophomore sprinter Ike Okenwa said. "It's like there's a different attitude around the track."

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, Okenwa has observed this attitude change from the sidelines. Eleven days ago at the Michigan Intercollegiate, Okenwa injured his hamstring during the 4 X 400 relay and hasn't run since. His status for this weekend is still up in the air.

Okenwa headlines a long list of injured Wolverines, which includes distance runners John Mortimer, Dan Snyder and Mark Pilja.

"Not having those guys adds a lot of pressure on the rest of us," senior Steve Lawrence said. "Mike (Wisniewki), Jay (Cantin) and I will have to score a lot of points."

Cantin, the defending Big Ten mile champion, has a lofty streak to live up to - Michigan has captured the mile crown seven consecutive years. Yet Cantin - who has already qualified for the NCAA championships but is nursing a tender ankle - is not phased.

"It doesn't put pressure on me," Cantin said. "If anything, it gives me high hopes."

The distance runners aren't the only group dealing with injuries. Triple jump specialist Oded Padan, who has missed all but one meet this year with a leg injury, is not at full strength and remains a question mark.

"I've been giving it rest just so I can compete at the Big Tens," Padan said.

In spite of all the injuries, the Wolverines hope to finish near the top of the conference standings. If it is to do so, Michigan will need a big weekend from its healthy stars.

Pole vaulters Charles DeWildt and Brent Sheffer have finished 1-2 in consecutive meets and have flirted with the NCAA qualifying height.

Furthermore, throwers Patrick Johansson and Nick Rogers are coming off of victories in the weight throw and shot put, respectively, and will have to score big to keep Michigan in the meet.

While Michigan will need an all-around team performance, the backbone of the team has been its distance runners.

"The Big Ten is full of great distance runners," Cantin said. "We may not be able to dominate but we can still score some points."