SPORTS

Track needs numbers to stay alive

By Edward Sulton-EL
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

After a two-year absence, the intramural track team will return to Norwich University this spring.

Last year, Chris Walzcek was head coach of the intramural track team but did not have anyone to coach because of insufficient numbers of runners and lack of student interest.

The athletic department, however, is hoping that there will be renewed interest, according to activities director Chan Stowell.

"We are setting up an intramural track team this spring," he said with certainty.

More than 100 years ago, in the early 1900s, Norwich had a track team, but had few meets and a negligible roster, with only 10 people on the team. There was one track meet in 1919. Fast forward to the 1970s: track grew and more runners joined, but the 1990s again saw decline.

"We had a track and field program for a number of years, but the interest dwindled in the mid 90s," said athletic director Tony Mariano.

According to Mariano, the reason for this decline was that the poor quality of the track did not meet requirements for college competition.

"It can be brought back, depending on how many students participate," Mariano said. "The interest is an important thing. If we have 150 people come out for track, it will probably come back. If only 15 people show up, it probably won't."

NU Intramurals

Volleyball

Wed. 10/1

• Band vs. Hitmen 4:30
• Midnight Rush vs. Howlers

Soccer

Mon. 10/6

• Oni Kami-Sama has a bye 4:30
• Dirty Old Men vs. Black Toads 5:30
• Money vs. Alumni Hall Bandits
• Band vs. Bad Boys

Flag Football

Mon. 10/6

• Winners vs. Hurricanes 5:00
• Pirouetting Powder Puffs vs. Hotel Team A
• Cougars vs. Hotel Team B
• No Shows vs. Worst Boys 5:40

10/13-10/23

*Tournament* TBA