Losing a bonafide point scorer is always tough for an up-and-coming program trying to get a foothold amongst the elite teams.

The John Carroll women's indoor track team, under the direction of second-year coach Dara Ford, is hopeful that its depth can withstand that type of hit as it prepares for the 2010 season. 

“Our women's team took a hit with the graduation of (800 meter record holder and OAC high jump champion) Tara Ford, but we have a few talented freshmen who should step up nicely to try to score some points,” said coach Ford. 

The Blue Streaks should be strongest this season in distance and jumps, but they could look to make some noise in the conference meets in several other events.
 
“Last year, we finished sixth in the conference,' said Ford. “I am optimistic we can crack the top five.”
Ford has multi-talented jumpers, led by a returning indoor national qualifier. 

“Alicia Giannell is our best overall athlete,” said Ford. “She was a national indoor qualifier in the long jump last season and has the potential to be there again.” 

Thankfully, the talent pool runs deep in University Heights. 

“(Senior) Maura Stepanski should also be one of the top jumpers on our team and has the potential to be one of the best jumpers in the conference,” said Ford. “She has been a consistent scorer in both the triple jump, long jump, and as a member of the 4 x 200 relay.”
 
The same can be said for the distance runners, as several Blue Streaks are among the best in the conference. Seniors Tricia Doherty and Emily Tillmaand are JCU's top returning distance runners.
 
“Distance is one of the strong points of the team, and with the leadership of this dynamic duo, it's no surprise,' said Ford. “Kelly Grieve bounced back this cross country season and we expect that coupled with some stellar off season workouts, she will contend for All-OAC honors. With these experienced girls coupled with talented freshmen, the distance core looks to score some points once again at the conference meet. 

Among those who comprise the strong rookie class is freshman Ashley Aberl, who garnered first team All-Conference honors during the cross country season. 

According to Ford, the difference in this year's team capability of being an upper division contender may be the emergence of point scorers in areas where John Carroll has not been as traditionally strong. 

“We are not as strong in events such as throws, hurdles, and pole vault as we have very few numbers in those events,” said Ford. “But in the sprints and mid sprints, and in some of our middle distances, we have some people who could step up. 

Ford sees a mixture of young and old helping in those areas. 

“Ryann Smith is a solid sprinter. She should certainly hold her ground in the 400m and 500m races, said Ford. ”Sophomore Brittany Musa has some big shoes to fill (in the high jump), but she learned from one of the best. Brittany really hit her stride at the end of the track season last year. She's been working really hard in the off-season and I think that's going to convert to some great results.” 

Freshmen who will make an immediate impact include sprinter Maureen Creighton and mid sprinter Maribeth Keppler. 

Ohio Northern, Baldwin-Wallace and Capital are the fiercest conference foes this year, but Ford thinks her team is up for the challenge. 

“Our staff has worked very hard to building our program up in order to compete with the best of the OAC,” said Ford. “Those efforts are starting to pay off as we have over 30 kids who are very committed to their sport and their team. I am excited to see what we can do.”