Women's Track & Field January 23, 2020

Northwestern looks for continued success in second season

ALVA, Okla. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State University women's track and field teams is set to open their 2020 schedule on Friday at the DeLoss Dodds Invitational, hosted by Kansas State University.

The Lady Rangers are set to continue to build on the success in the second season as the Ranger runners, jumpers and throwers are set to take part in their first meet on January 24-25 in Manhattan, Kan. Last season the Red-and-Black set a Great American Conference record, had two GAC conference champions and a runner-up.

"The program will be led by the veterans in the distances, hurdle and throws this season," Head Coach Jill Lancaster stated. "While the short sprints and jumpers have seen significant talent depth added to the program this season. We add numerous state championship performers to the ranks this year."

Northwestern will be led by a trio of seniors, who each garnered All-GAC honors last season. Zarin Goodrich set the Great American Conference record in the javelin event, while Kayla Gourley made her mark in the 10,000-meter race last season and Cayla Smither has her sights set on another great season in the triple jump.

"We are delighted to have received the invitation by KSU," Lancaster stated. "They have one of the elite programs and best coaches in the nation. The first meet has seven teams and it will be a great chance to gauge where we are in our training."

After competing in the DeLoss Dodds Invitational to open the indoor season, the Ranger athletes will head to the Wichita State Invitational, then travel to the Central Oklahoma Broncho Alumni Classic, held at the University of Oklahoma indoor facility in Norman.

The indoor portion of the scheduled events will conclude at the same location as the UCO meet with the GAC indoor championship meet Feb. 28-29. Qualifying athletes will have an opportunity to take part in the NCAA Indoor Championship on March 13-14 in Birmingham, Ala.

"We are a very youthful group, stated Lancaster. "We are looking to gain experience in our first competition and look to do some damage in the record books this season."

To begin the outdoor campaign, Northwestern will take part in the Emporia State Spring Twilight Invitational on March 21. Followed by the Oklahoma Baptist Invitational on March 27-28.

On April 3-4, the Northwestern athletes will compete in the Southwestern Christian/Paul Parent Outdoor Invitational in Yukon, Oklahoma. The final scheduled meet of the outdoor season is set for April 16-18 at Harding for the GAC Championships.

The 2019 Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be held May 21-23 at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

"As we get going into the season it looks to be one of excitement," Lancaster stated on the upcoming season. "We have a great group of athletes and all of them have a chance to do something special for us."

For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Track and Field, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.

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Players Mentioned

Zarin Goodrich: Javelin; Senior; Javelin

Cayla Smither: Jumps; Senior; Jumps

Kayla Gourley: Distance; Senior; Distance

Players Mentioned

Zarin Goodrich
: Senior; Javelin
: Javelin

Cayla Smither
: Senior; Jumps
: Jumps

Kayla Gourley
: Senior; Distance
: Distance