Track transfer leads to change of pace

By Maddie Alexander

University of Findlay junior triple-jumper Jess Hoban transferred to UF from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee this year. And so far she says she’s loving it.

“I was the only jumper at my old school and I never had much fun competing there,” Hoban said. “Now, having all these teammates makes me feel supported and competitions are extremely fun.”

The end of the indoor track and field season is approaching and things may go from fun to competitive fast.

“It’s going to be a tight competition,” Hoban said. “There is very little room for error.”

On Feb. 24 and 25, the Findlay Oilers Track and Field team will travel to Ashland University to compete in the Great Midwest Conference Championship. Both the men’s and women’s teams are working hard to secure their spot as number one.

Last year, the Oilers swept this competition, taking first place for both the men’s and women’s teams. They want to repeat and take home those titles once more.

Based on current rankings, the women’s team has compiled 146 points. Hillsdale College, the biggest competition in the conference, currently has 145 points. The Oilers are going to have to work extra hard to ensure they take home the title they want.

“I’m very excited, our team is in a really good position right now and I feel like we will do really well,” Hoban said. “The competition is fierce, our conference is very good, but I am confident that we will do what news to be done.”

Hoban is excited to be a part of this squad.

“I love the atmosphere we’ve created within the team,” Hoban said. “Everyone is very supportive and I love competing with this group of people.”

The track and field team has rapidly grown over the past couple of years, both in size and talent. The team is working their one combined goal: another conference title.