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epresented, as speed and endurance combine for
this race– track’s most historic event. Sullivan, who
is also the school record-holder in the 3000 steeplechase,
will be joined by Lebovich and King as they
race to become sub-fi ve minute milers. Coupled with
the middle distance group, these athletes will unite to
create one of the deepest distance relay pools in the
recent history of the program. In the team’s quest to
climb the BIG EAST ladder, this group can make an
immediate impact in the relay events.
For the longer distance events, the Huskies will turn
to distance ace Niamh Cunningham for signifi cant
points in the 3k, the 5k, and the 10k. A returning BIG
EAST scorer, Cunningham’s leadership, work ethic,
and poise will serve the team well as she mentors
the underclassmen that are following closely in her
footsteps. Her younger sister, Orlaith, and Vaughan
will provide depth to this developing distance crew.
THE VERTICAL JUMPS
HIGH JUMP & POLE VAULT
With the graduation of fi ve-time All-American Deirdre
Mullen in the high jump, Coach Morgan will look
to freshmen Rachel Porter (Watertown, Conn.) and
multi-eventer Budd to develop in an event in which the
program has had national success. Porter and Budd
are Connecticut and Massachusetts state champions,
respectively.
Nine All-American titles have established the UConn
jumpers as a major force in the country. Maintaining
the tradition will take time.
In the pole vault, senior Leah Williams (Brookfi eld,
Conn.) along with junior Lisa Kachmarsky (Monroe,
N.Y.) continue to show signs of breaking through
into the scoring ranks at conference championships.
Williams will chase both indoor and outdoor school
records as early practices have indicated a renewed
confi dence.
THE HORIZONTAL JUMPS
LONG & TRIPLE
A high level of performance is expected in the horizontal
jumps as NCAA Regional qualifi ers Highsmith
(triple jump) and Clark (long jump) return for their
sophomore seasons. Highsmith won the New England
indoor title while Clark complimented that effort
with a title in the long jump. Both have made their
way onto the All-Time best list with Clark at fourth for
indoor long jump and Highsmith at second and fourth
in the triple jump for outdoor and indoor, respectively.
With New England and BIG EAST scorer Rogers
returning for her junior year and Clark demonstrating
a latent talent in the triple jump, the outcome looks
even more promising. Add Budd, the Massachusetts
and New England champion in the triple jump to the
mix and it becomes evident that this young group will
make some noise on regional and possibly national
levels. Further depth is seen with the addition of
Massachusetts State long jump champion Graves-
20 05-06 UCONN WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY 8
2005-06 Preview
Fulgham and sprinter White.
THE PENTATHLON/HEPTATHLON
Not since three-time All-American heptathlete Terry
Roy competed has there been a signifi cant opportunity
for success in the multi-events. Hopes are
placed on Highsmith to make the transition successful
along with the talented Budd. Both demonstrate
some outstanding qualities which should translate
into promising performances. Highsmith should be
able to balance the demands of the extensive training
required in the pentathlon/heptathlon with her
specialty events and may contribute in a signifi cant
way on the national scene.
THE THROWS
The University of Connecticut throwers have traditionally
competed at the national level and hope to
continue the great tradition of All-American alumni.
Former athlete Bethany Hart, competing on both
the USA National Women’s Bobsled Team and the
USA World Championships Track and Field Team
that recently returned from Helsinki, Finland, set the
standard with her lofty accomplishments. Present
members are in position to add to her legacy. Having
swept the top three positions in the weight throw at the
New England Championships in last year’s campaign,
junior Cassie Buckwalter (New Willmington, Pa.) and
sophomore Erin Donnelly (Barrington, R.I.) are back
to continue the tradition. Donnelly, a former national
high school champion in the weight and hammer
throw, will anchor her respective events. Connecticut
high school champion Jennifer Krodel (Salem, Conn.)
will develop into a contributing member in both events
while newcomer Regina Graziano (Guilford, Conn.)
adds depth to a fi ne group.
The discus provides another event in which BIG
EAST runner-up and NCAA regional qualifi er Buckwalter
is expected to excel. Her dramatic fi nish in
last years’ championship has put her in position to
challenge the school record held by former teammate
Amy Parkosewich, a NCAA Championship qualifi er
in 2004. Look for junior Allison Booth (Shelby, Ohio)
to move up in the ranks as she returns after sitting
out her sophomore season. Krodel and Graziano will
also be looked upon to develop in this area.
Although there is potential to perform well in the
shot put, Buckwalter and Booth must demonstrate
consistency in order to break through in the conference
championships. Booth was a fi nalist in the BIG
EAST Outdoor Championships as a freshman and
will be looked upon to score points in her specialty.
Look for upstart Amanda Martin (Rowley, Mass.) to
surprise in this area as she develops her technique
and understanding of the event.
Martin’s specialty, javelin, will provide her an opportunity
to contribute in the BIG EAST. As one of the
top high school New England performers, she is held
back only by lack of experience. Her great work ethic
will enhance her position in the rankings.
-Bethany Hart
-Two-Time All-American
-USA National Bobsled Team