ALVA, Okla. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State Women's Track and Field team will open their spring outdoor season in Emporia, Kan. when they compete in the Emporia Invitational.
A year ago, the Lady Rangers only competed in the indoor track and field season – before the season was ended due to COVID-19.
"The team is excited to put on their uniform finally," Head Coach Jill Lancaster stated. "For some, this will be the very first time they can wear their collegiate uniform. We've waited a year to finally get to lace up our cleats and prove that we are a force within the GAC, and now we are getting to do so."
Notable returnees include Cayla Smither, a 2019 All-GAC second-team honoree and the sixth-best triple jump record at the GAC Championships. In the multi, Gina Wilson is geared up to make a splash after growing last year during the indoor season and looks to add the continued success to outdoor.
NWOSU also returns Jessalyn Rivet-Tissot, Mariah Malloy, Ladasheray Bell and Briley Yunker, who made noise last year on the track. Eryn Setzer and Kelsey Swindle will lead the field of throwers for the Red-and-Black as they look to show their growth over the previous two years.
Northwestern brought in a very diverse class, mixed runners and throwers. The incoming freshmen are Shaylee Beck, Babette Bright, Koti Inderlied, Liberty Goodnow, Deja Lacy, Shakira Lane, Mallory Paruszewski, Austyn Pine, Emily Smith, Aaliyah Stovall and Harlie Whisenant. While the transfers are Emilie Brown, Jaeden Coon and Jerika Coon.
"The coaching staff is looking forward to getting this team out and compete," said Lancaster. "These ladies have been working hard since they stepped on campus when school first started back up. We are looking forward to redoing our entire record book this season!"
This season will be comprised of four meets before the conference championship in April. The Lady Rangers will start the season on March 19 at the Emporia Invitational. On March 26-27, the Red-and-Black will complete in the Emporia State Relays before traveling to the Jo Meaker Classic & Multi hosted by West Texas A&M on April 2-3 in Canyon, Texas. The regular season will wrap up with the Wichita State Open on April 9-10 in Wichita, Kan.
The GAC championship will be April 15-17 in Magnolia, Ark., hosted by Southern Arkansas at the Mulerider Track & Field Complex. The NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championship will be hosted in Allendale, Mich., on May 27-29.
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Women's Track and Field, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
