Youth Excels as Women’s Track Team Anticipates Record-Breaking Season

As the indoor track season kicks into gear, the Mines women’s track and field team is looking to send older runners out with a bang while setting the stage for a strong future. Senior Mckenzie Zeman is excited to finish her senior year strong, while inspiring those who look up to her.

“I think one of our goals as a team is to compete with those prominent Division II schools,” Zeman commented. “We are really trying to make a name for ourselves.”

The women’s team has done a fantastic job of proving themselves thus far in the season, as Zeman was part of a 4×400 meter relay team that broke the school record on Jan. 23. This team included freshman Ali Artzberger. Zeman had lots of great things to say about Artzberger.

“She’s really strong and she’s been helping us a lot,” said Zeman about Artzberger. Artzberger is a part of a group of strong freshman and sophomore runners that are training hard and benefiting from the fantastic example set by Zeman and her upperclassmen teammates.

Junior Lizzie Gabel had a lot of positive things to say about the future of the program as well.

“We have a lot of freshman talent and the team is finally getting some depth,” Gabel commented. Gabel also touched on the new training facility that was built along with Marv Kay Stadium.

“It has really made a difference, and we feel like a real Division II team. It’s exciting,” Gabel said. While Gabel was not able to run the 400-meter race last outdoor track season due to injury, she is looking to set a personal record this season. Alongside Zeman, Gabel is also a member of the women’s Distance Medley Relay (DMR). Gabel predicts the relay team will do well this season.

“Last year the relay team barely missed nationals, so I am hoping that we make it to nationals or at least set a PR this year,” shared Gabel. While the women’s competition is intense, the team mentality helps the athletes perform optimally.

“It helps to have people train with you every day and push you,” Gabel points out. Zeman confirmed that there really is not a bad team in the RMAC this year. New Mexico Highlands, Grand Valley, and CSU-Pueblo will all be big competition this year.

With Zeman, Gabel, and other strong upperclassmen leading the way, the women’s team is off to a fantastic start this indoor track season.

Keep an eye on Artzberger and other strong freshman and sophomores as well, as they follow in the footsteps of their older teammates.

“We want to become a powerhouse, and I personally see us becoming a powerhouse,” said Zeman, setting the stage for this season and many to come.