University of North Texas Athletics
Mean Green Track & Field Set To Open Season
1/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field/XC
“These kids have been training since September,” head coach Rick Watkins said. “I think they are ready to start running against someone other than themselves.”
The Mean Green men return several key performers from last season, including thrower Heath Smith. The regional qualifier broke the
High jump extraordinaire Mark Lee is also back for another go-around. Lee claimed both the Sun Belt’s indoor and outdoor high jump titles in 2006, and is eyeing a repeat performance in 2007.
After winning the 3000-meter steeplechase in 2006, Frank Ngeno returns for his senior season and will look to defend his crown and anchor the Mean Green distance squad.
The Mean Green returns key members from each of its relay teams, but is also looking for new talent to step in. Ryan Roberson returns to a 4x100 relay team that ran the school’s third-best time in each of the last two seasons, while Kelvin Wright and David Schwein return to a 4x400 relay team that finished third at last year’s Sun Belt championship. Texas Tech transfer Ryan Varner is expected to contribute immediately on the relay squad and sprints after being a regional qualifier for the Red Raiders. Temitayo Harriman could also see action on the 4x400. Harriman earned all-conference honors in the distance medley relay at the indoor championship in 2006 and posted the team’s three top 800-meter times of the year. Freshmen Byron Washington and Willie Sneed, Jr. could also be counted on in either relay.
On the women’s side, hopes are high for 2007 as Brandi Stanfield returns for her sophomore season. In just one year in
Ryan Hill and Heather Wood are a pair of seniors to keep an eye on this year, with Hill earning all-conference honors every season she has competed. Wood, a
Rachael Runnels and Chi Chi Echebelem are no strangers to fast relay times as they were key members of the 4x100 relay squad that posted the two fastest times in
Overall the Mean Green will field a combined 19 freshmen between the men and women in 2007, forcing youth into the immediate spotlight for the upcoming season.
