'M' track makes debut under Warhurst By Ron Garber and David Mosse Daily Sports Writers The winds of change swept through Ann Arbor this offseason and when the dust settled, Ron Warhurst was the new man at the helm of the Michigan men's track and field team. For the first time in over two decades, Jack Harvey will not be leading the Wolverines into battle. Harvey retired after last season and Warhurst, Harvey's long-time assistant, was the obvious choice to succeed him. Warhurst is no stranger to head coaching, serving as the men's cross country coach for 25 years. Warhurst inherits a talented young team looking to improve on last year's up-and-down campaign. Successes at the Michigan Quadrangular and Meyo Invitational were peppered with disappointment at the Big Ten Championships. Although hampered by injuries to several key performers, the team looked somewhat overwhelmed by the occasion. A year later, with that memory still in the back of their minds, the Wolverines have returned to action with an improved attitude. "Everyone has looked great so far in practice," said sophomore sprinter Ike Okenwa. "We're a lot more focused." Okenwa figures to be one of the team's catalysts. He enjoyed a fantastic freshman season, winning the 60-meter dash several times while contributing points in the 200 and the 4 x 60 relay. Okenwa's season ended inauspiciously though, as the California native was injured after an unfortunate run-in with one of Michigan's icy sidewalks shortly before Big Tens. This season, Okenwa is already off and running as he captured the 60 at the Jack Harvey Invitational, the Wolverines' first competition. Okenwa will be joined in the sprints by high school rival and Michigan running back Justin Fargas, who makes his return to athletic competition after a devastating leg injury. Fargas, a former California state champion in the 100 , sat out this weekend's meet but is slated to make his debut next week at the Indiana quadrangular. His addition will give Michigan's sprint team a boost as well as much-needed depth. Okenwa, Fargas, and fellow sprinter Steve Jenkins will grab many headlines but Michigan's strength lies in the distance events. Returning Big Ten mile champion Jay Cantin, fresh off a 12th place finish at NCAAs, spearheads a group of gritty runners that can stack up with any in the Big Ten. In addition, All-American John Mortimer returns from a medical redshirt year. After contemplating a move to the professional ranks, Mortimer's decision to return adds stability and leadership to an already formidable group that includes sophomore Mike Wisniewski and senior Steve Lawrence. "Not to take anything away from the sprinters," Cantin said, "but I think that with myself, Mortimer, Lawrence, and Wisniewski, the majority of our points will come in the distance events." If Saturday is any indication, Cantin's optimism is justified. Wisniewski and Cantin finished first and second in the 3,000 and Lawrence placed second in the mile. "We have four real killers in the distance events," Warhurst said. "We should be very strong." Another key area the Wolverines will look to improve upon is the field events. Sophomore Oded Padan showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with frequent fouls in the triple jump. Padan, along with thrower Patrick Johansson and high jumper Robert Arnold, should benefit from the addition of assistant coach Rick Deligny, a field events specialist. "Ricky has really eased the transition from Harvey to Warhurst," Cantin said. "He's very knowledgeable and gets along great with the guys." Unfortunately, the Wolverines will have to wait another week to judge their progress. Padan sat out this meet with a minor leg injury and Johansson was unable to return from his native Sweden in time to take part in the competition. The Warhurst era began on Saturday but the first major test comes next weekend in Bloomington, where Michigan will begin its drive towards the Conference title. Is the team ready to put last year's Big Ten disappointment behind them? "We're ready," promised Okenwa. "A year older, and a year wiser." Originally on page 2B in the 1-10-2000 issue of the Daily.