With the women’s track team several weeks into the 2009 outdoor campaign, many of the University of Wisconsin’s athletes are beginning to prove they belong among the nation’s best. ;
Two veteran members of Wisconsin’s track squad recently punched their tickets to the NCAA Regionals with outstanding recent performances. Chavon Robinson, a senior from Milwaukee, will be a part of the regional field after posting a mark of 12.74 meters in the triple jump. Robinson holds the school record in the outdoor triple jump but was still relieved to have earned a spot.
“There is definitely less pressure going into my next meets,” Robinson said. “It’s great to have qualified.”
Robinson has come into the 2009 season with high expectations, and after dealing with injuries earlier in her career, she appears to be primed for an outstanding finish to the outdoor campaign. Robinson posted excellent marks throughout the 2008 season in both the triple jump and long jump, but that is not to say there were no struggles along the way.
“Last year was tough because I had a new coach, and I wasn’t really sure what direction we were going in,” Robinson said. “I know now that we are headed in the right direction, and I am a lot more confident when I’m out there.”
Having settled into her role on the team, Robinson is now looking to refine her technique. The triple jump requires strict attention to detail and can be a difficult event for some of the most talented athletes. Throughout the season, Robinson and her coaches have been working diligently to maximize her performance.
“The coaches have been telling us that it is all about where the jump starts,” Robinson said. “I’ve been struggling with it ever since I’ve been at Wisconsin as a triple jumper, but when it all comes together I think I’ll have a pretty good jump.”
Robinson will continue to refine her skills as the season progresses, and due to her redshirt, she will have all of next year to improve on her marks as well.
UW senior javelin thrower Amy Lewis is competing in her final season for the Badgers. Like Robinson, Lewis just recently qualified for the NCAA Regionals, a goal she expected to accomplish.
“It was kind of an expectation to make the NCAA Regionals this year, but it’s great to be able to do it early in the season,” Lewis said. “I’ll be able to work on my technique and get myself ready for the rest of the season from here on out.”
This will be the third time in her career Lewis has qualified for Regionals, but the senior from Colts Neck, N.J., is aware of some improvements she still needs to make.
“I just want to refine all the footwork that takes place right before I throw,” Lewis said. “That is something I will continue to work on.”
Lewis is nearing the end of her UW career and wants to make sure she gives her best effort in her final days as a Badger.
“I don’t want to look back on my career have any regrets about anything,” Lewis said. “The seniors and I have had some extra motivation to leave it all on the line every time we go out for a meet.”
Regardless of how the season finishes for Lewis, she is proud to have represented her university as a member of the track team, and will look to lead by example as the outdoor season begins to heat up.
“I have loved being a part of everything this team has gone through since I have been here,” Lewis said. “Being a leader and having the time to act as a role model has been an exciting time for me.”
