Coach Jason Vigilante put it simply when describing his feelings about the upcoming ACC Outdoor Championships: "I'm excited."
Following a great performance in its only home meet of the season, the Virginia track and field team looks to continue its success in this weekend's ACC Outdoor Championships in Clemson, S.C.\nThe women's team in particular will try to improve on its fourth-place finish behind Florida State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina last year, while the men's team is looking to defend its championship, which it split last year with Florida State.
The men's team is not concentrating on past success, however, and instead is looking ahead to see what it can accomplish with this year's roster.
"Every year's a different year," Vigilante said. "Some of the individuals that we lost last year were great team leaders. This is a different type of excitement because I'm looking for guys to step up - people who want to see the team succeed and are willing to put their bodies on the line to do it."
The Cavaliers had one such opportunity to see who could step up during last weekend's Lou Onesty Invitational, which took place at Virginia's own Lannigan Field and gave the team a chance to see where it stood in relation to the competition.
"We had a lot of good things happen," senior javelin thrower Meghan Briggs said. "People were setting personal bests, and it was a successful meet for us overall."
Freshman Robby Andrews and redshirt freshman Sean Keveren both ran well, breaking meet records in the mile and 3000-meter run respectively. In addition, junior Adams Abdulrazaaq won the 110m hurdles, an event that he won last year at the ACC Championships.
Vigilante said he was pleased with the team's performance last weekend.
"Adams Abdulzaraaq is proving that he's going to do everything he can to defend his 2009 110m hurdle championship; we had some throwers with their best performances of the season; Sean Keveren looked great winning the 3000m, Robby Andrews ran 4:01 in the mile," he said. "In a lot of different places, I think we're going to be well-prepared."
Sophomore Tasia Potasinski and senior Jen Hovland finished first and second in the 800m with personal best times of 2 minutes, 11.4 seconds and 2:14.69, respectively. Both 4-by-400m relay teams also placed first. The women's team finished with a time of 3:43.66, and the men's team finished in 3:12.88.
But with the ACCs looming, the Cavaliers will have to focus on their upcoming challenges instead of just basking in the glory of past victories.
One sprinter who could help continue the recent success is sophomore Kevin Anding, a member of the 4-by-400 relay team. Anding finished 11th in last year's ACC Championship 400m dash but now feels confident in his abilities to help the Cavaliers capture a second straight ACC Championship.
"Last year I didn't make the finals in the open 400m," he said. "I'd like to get there, and from there, just run well and hopefully get some points to help out the team."
The women's team has their own leaders, including Briggs, who won the ACC javelin throw title last year. But close on her tail is Clemson senior Linda Buchholz, who finished only four meters behind Briggs last year and will have a home-field advantage at this year's championships.
"Everyone's gunning for you, you kind of have that target on your back, so there's definitely that pressure," Briggs said, "But I feel like as long as I go out there, throw consistently, and stay relaxed, there won't be too much pressure."
Keeping that pressure off may be a challenge as Virginia faces dynasties such as Florida State men's team, which has won a part of the ACC Championship seven out of the last eight years. Even with such powerhouses on the radar, however, Vigilante is not caving.
"A year ago, nobody would have counted the University of Virginia in their top five, so I don't really focus on other teams or what other people are doing," he said, "All I can focus on is how good of a job I do in making sure that the student athletes are well-motivated, well-prepared and show up fresh and healthy."
The Cavaliers will hope that their motivation proves enough going into this weekend. The championship will begin this morning with the awards ceremony taking place Saturday night.
Read More
No. 4 field hockey shut out for first time of season in defeat at No. 2 North Carolina
By Eleanor Lynch | 22 minutes agoThe Cavalier offense had its worst outing of the season as they were once again defeated by the rival Tar Heels.
Virginia football prepares for pivotal contest against North Carolina
By Ryan Weiner | 10 hours agoNeeding to keep pace in the race for a bowl game berth, the Cavaliers host a favorable matchup.
Men’s soccer set for ACC regular season finale against No. 5 Pittsburgh
By Mofeoluwa Akande and Ben Istvan | 10 hours agoThe Cavaliers upset a top-10 Pittsburgh team on the road two years ago — they will look to do it again Friday night.
