MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota women’s track and field season gets underway with the season-opening Northwest Open on Saturday, Jan. 18. Director of women’s cross country and track and field Matt Bingle, who coaches the Gophers’ sprinters, jumpers and multi-event athletes, takes a look at the Golden Gophers’ line-up heading into the 2014 campaign. “I’m very excited about the season,” Bingle said. “We’re ready to compete. It’s that time of year where the student-athletes have been doing track for 16 weeks now. We’re at that point in training where we need to compete. “I’m always cautious about how good we can be. I’m more work-centered, but I’m very optimistic. All four pole vaulters from Minnesota’s 2013 squad return this season in Cami Gilson (Arrowhead, Wis.), Katie Murgic (Rosemount, Minn.), Sara Tseng (Richfield, Minn.) and Stephanie Oleson (Glen Allen, Va.). The Gophers also add freshman Alex Flucke (Ashwaubenon, Wis.), who was a four-time Wisconsin Division I state meet pole vaulter, to the line-up. “Katie Murgic and Cami Gilson had a great fall,” Bingle said. “Look for them to be the leaders of the pole vault. I’m excited about the whole group with Alex Flucke in there as well. They could be a really strong group for us.” Gilson tied the sixth-best mark in program history, clearing 12-10 (3.91m) indoors at the Parents Day Open last season. Meanwhile, Murgic led the Gophers outdoors with a season-best 12-6 3/4 (3.83m). Fans have the opportunity to see the Gophers in action at three home meets this season, beginning with the Northwest Open on Saturday, Jan. 18. Field events begin at 11 a.m. with running events kicking off at 12:30 p.m. “I feel like we have the opportunity to achieve our goals if we can stay healthy and our seniors stay focused and our leadership is good,” Bingle said. “It’s going to require them taking care of business – doing their jobs, going to work every day, communicating well and taking care of their bodies.” more
