The time between the indoor and outdoor track season is a short one, and if an athlete slacks the slightest bit, it could mean the difference between winning and losing.

Distance runner Rachel Patterson thinks the women’s team is looking good in its youth, but needed a little rest to better prepare.

“I thought it (the break) was beneficial for us; we might have only had a little bit of time between meets, but the coaches gave us time to recover and to rest,” Patterson said.

On March 14 and 15, two athletes from the Lady Lions track and field team attended the national championships in Boston.

Mary Garrett competed in the open 400-meter dash and placed seventh overall, receiving All-American honors in the process.

Danee Jones was the other competitor at the meet, competing in the weight throw. Jones placed third overall as well as an All-American honor.

Head coach Patty Vavra was proud of her athletes and the way they competed in the circumstances they faced.

“Those are two young ladies that have made some sacrifices that people don’t know about that have made the difference in them being at the level they’re at,” Vavra said.

The first outdoor meet of the year was held at Pittsburg State University and tested the young half of that team on the short rest period between seasons.

The team faced cold weather and a strong wind. Vavra thought the team performed well in the face of the adverse weather.

Iashia Castle had her best triple jump of the year as well as winning the event; Garrett ran in the 400-meter hurdles and finished well enough to be currently ranked second in the nation, also winning the 100-meter hurdles; Jones finished second in the shot put and the discuss and third in the hammer; and Melissa Turner finished second in the pole vault with a height of 10-10.

“It was a good opening meet for us; it was an opportunity for us to get to the elements of the outdoor season and to get our feet a little wet here at the beginning of the season,” Vavra said.

“We looked really good at Pitt State,” Patterson said. “A lot of the girls stepped up and had some really good performances.”

On April 2, the team sent Jones with the men’s team to Coffeyville Community College to take part in a small meet.

Friday the Lady Lions are hosting their only home meet of the season, the Sports World Track and Field Festival.

It will be the only home meet this season due to the resurfacing of the turf at Hughes Stadium.