Over the course of the indoor and outdoor seasons, the Ohio track team has received production from the throwers, middle and distance runners and the jumpers.
However, a group that has made an instant impact is a couple of freshmen. Throughout the season, their names have crept up the standings and they have gained valuable points for the team.
One is Danielle Winningham. Her times continue to drop and she has become a valuable asset to this team.
Making the transition from high school to college is key for college athletes. They have to be able to adjust to increased level of competition.
Winningham is making that adjustment in leaps and bounds.
I expected practices to be harder and I expected my times to drop a lot faster than they have
but I try to tell myself that I'm just a freshman and that it'll come with time Winningham said.
It won't take long for everyone to know Winningham's name.
I like it when people watch me race as a freshman and say Who the heck is that? It gives me great pleasure
Winningham said.
Even though she has been turning some heads this season, it has not always been that way for Winningham.
During her junior year of high school she had to come back from injury and it caused many schools to turn their focus away from her.
They would tell me I had to have crazy times in my 400
like a 53(seconds) to get signed
she said.
The Bobcats are happy to have her on the team and contributing right away.
It feels good to know I came here already being part of something and being able to have friends on the team
Winningham said.
This weekend's event for the Bobcats is the Hillside Gina Relays. It is a two-day event, and the relays annually attract top talent from around the state of Michigan and the country.
The Hillsdale Relays provide more opportunities to earn times that are good enough for NCAA qualifying marks.
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Sports
Nick Robbe
