Women's Preview: Columbia Lions

Preview by Gerry Groothuis. Photos by Dan Grossman.

After a dizzying streak of record-shattering performances, the unwavering roar of the Columbia Lions has been resonating throughout the Ivy League with more prominence and ferocity than ever before … “I am so excited with the progress of our women’s team,” said Coach Willy Wood. “I am amazed at their performance to date. If they can continue this rate of improvement, we are going to be a significant factor in the team title this year.” … Look for youth and balanced depth to be the keys for contention … Look for strong performances in the sprints from sophomore Sharay Hale (Milwaukee, Wis.), who holds League-best marks — by wide margins — in the 400- (54.20) and 500-meter dashes (1:11.24), as well as classmate Kyra Caldwell (Ypsilanti, Mich.), who ranks first in the League in the 200m (24.74) and second in the 60m hurdles (8.57) … It may come as no surprise that these two athletes, along with freshman Yamira Bell (Easton, Pa.) and sophomore Kristen Houp (Los Gatos, Calif.), are part of the League-leading 4x400m team, which was clocked in 3:41.19 … Stepping up into the longer distances, watch for junior Jackie Drouin (Lawrenceville, Ga.), who ranks first in the mile (4:49.76) and sixth in the 3000m (9:40.81) … Senior Serita Lachesis (Ambler, Pa.) should also be a factor with top times of 2:11.88 in the 800 and 2:52.38 in the 1000 … The field events also look to be a strong point for the Lions with sophomore Heps-leader Monique Roberts (Cicero, N.Y.) playing the favorite in the high jump (5-11 1/2) … The rookie long-jump trio of Dora Vegvari (Bucharest, Hungary), Uju Ofoche (Baltimore, Md.) and QueenDenise Okeke (Irving, Texas) will be a major threat as Vegvari and Ofoche are 19-footers and Okeke is with a few centimeters of joining them … Sophomore Udeh Uzunma (Mandeville, La.) is one of two Leaguers to soar 40 feet so far in the triple jump … Yet another youngster, freshman Nnenna Okwara (Charlotte, N.C.), should also be a force in the weight throw (53-1 1/2) … “We are no longer simply a distance program,” said Coach Wood. “We are young, but extremely talented. We have another amazing class coming in next year, so we are excited that we will be among the top track programs for years to come.”

Lions Among The Heps Top 10

Yamira Bell, Fr., 400m—4 (56.31); 500m—5 (1:14.31)

Jocelyn Briggs, Fr., LJ—8 (18-7 3/4)

Kyra Caldwell, Soph., 200m—1 (24.74); 60mH—2 (8.57)

Jackie Drouin, Jr., Mile—1 (4:49.76); 3k—6 (9:40.81)

Sarah Engle, Soph., PV—4 (12-0)
Sharay Hale, Soph., 400m—1 (54.20); 500m—1 (1:11.24)

Kristen Houp, Soph., 400m—3 (56.12)

Serita Lachesis, Sr., 800m—5 (2:11.88); 1k—3 (2:52.38); Mile—4 (4:53.17)

Melesa Johnson, Jr., 60mH—10 (9.02)

Uju Ofoche, Fr., 200m—8 (25.38); LJ—4 (19-2)

QueenDenise Okeke, Fr., LJ—5 (18-10 3/4)

Irena Ossola, Sr., 5k—10 (17:33.48)

Monique Roberts, Soph., HJ—1 (5-11 1/2)

Uzunma Udeh, Soph., TJ—2 (40-3 1/4)

Dora Vegvari, Fr., LJ—2 (19-6 1/4)

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