Monday, August 16, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 9
Cross country prepares for the fall
Coach, athletes anticipate season
Kansan Staff Report
Getting Kansas' cross country athletes motivated is what Coach Gary Schwartz is hoping will lead the team to a successful season.
"You can accomplish a lot with motivated athletes, and I think we are returning a lot of motivated athletes," Schwartz said.
The cross country team had a frustrating 1998 season. Neither the men's nor women's teams qualified for the NCCA championship, which was at Rim Rock Farm, the Jayhawks' home course. Brian Jensen, Ronne, Denmark, senior, was the lone Jayhawk to qualify for the national meet.
"The men's team didn't quite measure up to our expectations," Schwartz said. "It was a pretty solid season, but I think our expectations were higher than we were able to accomplish."
The women's team also had a frustrating season last year, finishing last in the Big 12 Conference.
"We had a lack of depth and some injuries that we had to deal with and, plus, a real
young team," Schwartz said.
Schwartz is looking for improvement during the season, especially at the Big 12 Conference and the district meets. He had a very optimistic outlook about this season.
"I think the athletes that I have talked to this summer have had a good summer of training," Schwartz said. "They are coming in highly motivated and are ready to have a good season.
"The men's team has good talent up front, good depth,and we have good senior leadership."
On the women's team, Schwartz said he hoped to significantly improve. He is looking forward to having more depth and athletes staying healthy.
There are going to be
There are going to be some changes with both the men's and women's teams: Schwartz is going to demand more of the individual athletes on the men's team, and the intensity of their workouts is going to elevated.
Schwartz will be looking toward his seniors on both the men's and women's teams to be leaders this season, particularly Diane Heffernan, Kearney, Neb., senior.
"People lead by different methods."
"You can accomplish a lot with motivated athletes,and I think we are returning a lot of motivated athletes."
Gary Schwartz Cross Country Coach
Schwartz said. "There are people who lead by example and people who are vocal leaders. I have a combination of all those. The seniors are among the best on the team."
Heffernan paced the women's team last season and finished 52nd in the Jayhawk Invitational.
"She is a good leader and somebody we will need to look toward." Schwartz said.
Schwartz said he was excited about this cross country season and thought his athletes were anticipating it, as well.
"I am looking forward to the season because last year was a break-through for a lot of people." Schwartz said. "They went home excited about getting ready for this coming year."
The cross country team's first meet is Sept. 4 at Southern Illinois.
Cuban champion will not compete
Sotomayor injury saves IAAF from deciding on suspension
The Associated Press
HAVANA — Cuban high-jumper Javier Sotomayor, who tested positive for cocaine at the Pan American Games, has withdrawn from the World Championships because of a herniated disc.
His withdrawal means the International Amateur Athletic Federation won't have to decide whether to suspend him from the championships Aug. 21-29 in Seville, Spain.
"I feel very,very bad.I didn't think the injury was that serious."
"If Sotomayor doesn't compete in Seville because he's injured, many problems are solved," he said. "The case will follow normal procedure."
Javier Sotomayor
Cuban High-Jumper
IAAF spokesman Giorgio Reineri said last Friday that the federation had not yet received official notification of Sotomayor's withdrawal but would welcome it.
Sotomayor tested positive for cocaine after winning his fourth consecutive title at the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on July 30. He was stripped of his gold medal.
Sotomayor, 31, who's a two-time world outdoor champion, and the world indoor and outdoor record-holder, and Cuban officials have proclaimed his innocence and content that his drug test was manipulated as part of a conspiracy.
The IAAF has received a report on Sotomayer's case from the Cuban federation, which has refused to suspend him. Reineri said the report would be examined
by the IAAF's drug commission. If the Cuban federation doesn't suspend Sotomayor, the IAAF can.
Cuban sports officials announced Sotomayor's injury Friday.
The Cuban Sports Institute said Sotomayor would need an operation to repair the injured disc in his lower back. No date has been set for surgery, the institute said.
Rodrigo Alvarez Cambra, chief doctor to the Cuban delegation at the Pan Am Games, has called the injury a grave and serious problem.
Sotomayor was seen grimacing and reaching for his lower back after one of his jumps at the Pan Am games.
"I feel very, very bad," Sotomayor said. "I didn't think the injury was that serious."
Sotomayor is the only high jumper to clear 8 feet, first accomplishing the feat in 1989. He improved his record to 8 feet and one half inch in 1993.
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