2008 Outlook

Preparations for the 2008 outdoor track and field season have been much different than in any other season under the direction of Bret Otte. For the first time, Geneva’s men and women got the opportunity to compete during the indoor season as Geneva’s athletic department added indoor track and field as a varsity sport this past fall. As a result, Geneva’s track and field athletes were better prepared for the outdoor season, while also getting the chance to compete with some of the finest programs in the region during the months of January and February.

“Our indoor season is a huge part of our training for the outdoor season,” said head coach Bret Otte. “In past years, we have tried to get our kids involved during the winter months, but this year has been a completely different ball game.”

The strength of both teams this spring will fall on the distance and middle distance runners. Geneva will have to replace one of its finest runners in recent history, but they won't have to go far to find him. Andrew Foxenberg completed his runner career with the 2008 indoor season. Foxenberg qualified for the NCCAA national meet in both the 3000 and 5000 meter events. This spring, Foxenberg will serve as a volunteer assistant coach, which follows a career that saw him qualify nationally three times. “It is a joy to have Andrew still associated with our program,” said Otte. “He has a great love and desire for the sport, which will do nothing but motivate our younger athletes.”

Graduating senior Phil Falk will attempt to pick up the slack in the middle distance events, while senior Luke Duriancik will continue to compete in a multitude of events, most notably in the decathlon and 400 meter hurdles. “Our men’s team is not as complete as we would like, but we do have strong competitors in all the main event areas,” said Otte.”

Geneva’s women will continue to be strong in the distance and middle distance events with a veteran group of runners returning to the track. “We are fortunate to have such great senior leadership on the women’s side of things,” said Otte. “Our upperclassmen will help lead the way for this program to move forward.”

Susan Fletcher will finish up an outstanding career in 2008 after qualifying nationally a year ago in the steeplechase. Fellow national qualifiers Beth Bartolomeo (marathon) and junior Tiffany Bear (javelin) will also be called upon for repeat performances this spring. A solid group of young athletes on both the men’s and women’s teams will help to continue to string of success for Geneva track and field.

“We have such a great core group of student-athletes,” said Otte. “Across the board, this team is self-motivated and driven to improve everyday. As a coach, that is really all I can ask as each one of our team members will continue to improve with that type of work ethic.”

Geneva’s track and field begins a new era in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, but the goals and demands remain the same for Geneva’s men and women.