Bowie State Gears Up for 2011 Outdoor Track Season

By Anthony Vieira Jr.


    As the snow frequently falls and the sharp, icy winds continue to swirl, many

people wish this winter could just go away. Fortunately, their desire will be granted in due time.  

In a little over a month the frigid temperatures will disperse and the beautiful weather will begin

to return, so too will BSU outdoor track. (The 2011 schedule has not yet been released, but it will

be made available soon.)

    The 2010 season was a productive one for the Bowie State Bulldogs, as the men and

women respectively finished 3rd and 2nd in last year's CIAA tournament. The teams obviously

 look to improve upon that mark in 2011, and there is a great sense of optimism going into this

 season.

     In an interview with Head Coach Latimer, she reiterated her belief that the men and

women will enjoy success this spring. "We have a very strong group and I believe they can take

us to the outdoor nationals this year."

    Certainly a vote of confidence from the coach, and understandably so. But what makes

the 2011 Bulldogs so special? Let's take an in depth look. The 2010 Bulldogs were a young

group, with only two seniors and six juniors on the men's side. As for the ladies, the 2010 team

featured just one senior and one junior. The remaining athletes for both the men and women

were either sophomores or freshmen. This is fascinating, because the younger members of the

team were able to  immediately step in and perform at a high level. Coach Latimer explained that

the freshmen undergo a significant transition period from high school outdoor track to the

collegiate level. But she is very impressed with how quickly this year's freshmen are able to

learn.

    Look out for new faces Dana Smothers (women) and  Fabian Gonzalez (men), as they

should have an impact in 2011. The current sophomores will return more experienced, as will the

juniors and seniors, and will bring leadership qualities to the team. Now, virtually everyone from

last year will be back, so expect stars such as Shamika Patton, Nicole Robinson, and Michelle

Palmer of the Lady Bulldogs to shine. The same can be said of Jamin Gallman and Daryl

Sanders of the men's team. A young team mixed with veterans serves as a formidable opponent,

and the 2011 BSU Bulldogs will prove to be very competitive.