Jan. 29, 2009

DeKalb - The Northern Illinois track and field team will continue its indoor season, Saturday, when the Huskies travel to Charleston, Ill. to compete in the Illinois Intercollegiate.

"At each event we look for our intensity level to be up, each meet has been a little harder than the last," said head coach Connie Teaberry. "Monday through Friday we practice, and at each event we want our girls to be the best they can be at that time."

One of the Huskies that will help NIU compete for state bragging rights will be sophomore Nancy Nieto (Elgin, Ill./Streamwood) who ran the mile in 5:18.68, and ran 3:09.20 in the 1,000. Both are top times in each event by a Huskie this season.

"Nancy is a great addition to our team," Teaberry said. "She always leaves her heart out on the track and that is all we can ask for."

The Huskies will continue to look toward their jumpers for consistency. Senior Shoshanna Brown (Plainfield, Ill./Romeoville) has placed fourth or higher at all meets in triple jump this season. Junior Brittany Houghton (Freeport, Ill./Dakota) has also contributed in the triple jump as well as long jump. Junior Jessica Statler (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Cedar Rapids Prairie) has placed in the top five at all meets in the high jump event.

"All of our jumpers have heart," Teaberry said "They have built up stamina throughout the season."

After this event, the Huskies will travel to Mt. Pleasant, Mich. for the Central Michigan Quadrangular, Feb 6.

"Leading up to the MAC Indoor Championships we have two meets with other MAC schools, and that will give our girls an idea of what to expect at the end of the indoor season," Teaberry said.