UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—The Penn State track & field team is ready to break the four walls of the multi-sport indoor facility and head down to the outdoor track.
The team got its first taste of outdoor action last weekend at the Arizona State Invitational, and is ready to both head out on the road and be outdoors often in the coming weeks.
Senior Morgan Shigo is sad to see his final indoor season come to an end, but he is coming off a great year and ready to move ahead.
"I could have not really asked for a better indoor season. I ended up having my best throws ever this year and being fifth place as an All-American. Since last year, when I got 10th place and was not an All-American, it helped motivate me to work harder this year," Shigo said.
On the other hand, junior Domenic Perretta is ready to use his indoor season as motivation so that he can show his teammates and coaches even faster times.
"I think Big Tens went well but I just feel like I could've done a lot better at nationals and run much faster times. Since that did not end up happening, hopefully I will kill it this spring season," Perretta said.
Freshman Antoinette Bradley could not be more excited to kick off her first outdoor season in a Nittany Lion uniform.
"I am enjoying finally being outside," Bradley said. "Being able to practice and going over hurdles outside is just bringing outdoor to life. I am really excited to get a full view of the track and do a full hurdle race. There are a lot of technique boosters to being outside like being able to visualize my race."
As they begin to prepare, all of the athletes are eager to compete outside. Having been training inside since around November, this runners and thrower are used to their daily routine in that facility. Moving outside is a different environment that can bring new energy.
"During the indoor season I only threw the weight maybe once or twice a week plus in a competition. I have been throwing hammer almost the entire indoor season so opening up will be a much easier transition because I have been throwing the hammer very consistently" Shigo said.
Perretta also emphasized the importance of staying mentally healthy. He is ready to progress from the 200-meter track indoors to the outdoor 400-meter. The team's training process is currently shifting so they need to stay on top of their workouts to maintain health.
"Training on an outdoor track is very different mentally. It feels a lot longer but we just need to get back into things and get used to that track again," Perretta said.
Bradley is also looking to build up that mental strength and trust.
"I need to be able to trust hurdles again. It's scary going from not hurdling to going outdoor and start hurdling again. I need to build up a trust again and learn how to not be afraid to fall if I do," Bradley
As the team is split up between Florida and North Carolina this weekend, coaches are encouraging their athletes to stay hydrated. The weather down south can be much warmer than Pennsylvania, so the team needs to be well-rested to compete to the best of their abilities.
"Our coaches preach that hydration is so important. There are many hydration tips throughout our itinerary and our coaches are definitely on us much more about staying healthy," Shigo said.
"Travelling, especially on planes, dehydrates you. Going into warm weather, we are going to be sweating a lot more. Our coaches are always preaching about hydration and they give us the right tools on how to stay hydrated," Perretta added.
Shigo and Perretta have been training hard and are looking to make the most of the coming weeks outdoors.
"This is my last go around in a NIttany Lion uniform. I really want to go out and throw as far as I can every weekend," Shigo said. "Coach Lucais Mackay and I have a great game plan as to what meets we really want to peak for. I would like to get back to nationals and back on that podium. I am excited to take it all in."
"I just want to get better, stronger and faster every week. I really want to peak when it matters and try to get an All-American spot at Nationals," Perretta added.
Bradley is excited to prove to this team that she deserves a spot on the track and that she can impact everyone in a positive way.
"My goals for myself is to run every race like it's my last race because it might be," she said. "I want to be able to go out and compete with the competition. I just want to be able to end my freshmen year on a good note."
Whether a senior or freshman, the Nittany Lions are ready to make their mark on the outdoor track this season.
