APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University track and field coach Jason Fast is a little like a kid on Christmas morning. He’s staring at the presents and just can’t wait to rip off the wrapping paper.
Fast and his Vikings are heading to the Midwest Conference Championships at Illinois College this weekend, and the expectations are higher for the men’s team than they have been in some time.
“Everyone is excited for the possibilities. We’re not a team that’s strong in one event or another. We’re a more well-rounded team,” said Fast, whose men’s team was picked to finish sixth in a preseason poll.
“The conference week is always the longest because you want it to get here. It’s more so when you know your teams are ready and primed to go. We’re aiming to be top five. I think if we just perform to our potential, we’re there.”
The last time the Vikings finished as high as fifth during the indoor season there was still a country called East Germany. That was 1990.
Super sophomore Josh Janusiak leads the Vikings into the meet and holds the top times in the league in both the 3,000 (8:51.59) and 5,000 meters (15:22.20). Janusiak’s excellent running mate, freshman Joe Kortenhof, has battled through injury during the indoor season but will compete this weekend.
“We want him to win both, to hold serve as it were,” Fast said of Janusiak. “He’s really come into his own this year. He’s embracing the role of the favorite. He’s not afraid to get out in front and lead.”
The most versatile Viking is freshman Will Nichols, who will likely compete in six events this weekend. Nichols just broke the school record in the 200 meters at 22.81 seconds and will be a factor in the 400 as well. Nichols, who had never triple-jumped before this year, has jumped over 40 feet this season.
“That’s the scary part about him right now,” Fast said of Nichols, who will run on three relays. “He’s just starting to figure out how to be successful in track. Little things like how to run on an indoor track and really just perfecting his start.”
Another rookie, Noah Shea, is ranked second in the league in the triple jump at 43 feet, 10.5 inches. He also will run the 4×200, 4×400, sprint medley and distance medley relays.
The Vikings also have other contenders in Jackson Straughn (weight throw, shot put), Wes Hetcher (pole vault) and Dan Sandacz (60 hurdles).
Another factor in Lawrence’s success during the indoor season has been the weather. Since Lawrence doesn’t have an indoor track, the Vikings practice outside. The unseasonable weather has been a boon.
“More than anything, the warmth and sunshine helps with everyone’s mentality and having two weeks of spectacular weather and being able to practice on our outdoor track,” Fast said. “In the last five years, we’ve maybe had three or four practices on the outdoor track, and we’ve had more than that in the last two weeks.”