Under the direction of talented coaches Mark Robison, Ed Eyestone and Leonard Myles-Mills, the 2006 men's track and field team is poised to step onto the track and excel in all events. After finishing fourth at the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Nationals and securing a sixth-consecutive win at the Mountain West Conference Championships, the Cougars are planning on an equally prolific season. This talented team is prepared to return to the top of the MWC and NCAA levels.
"I am extremely excited about this year's team," Coach Robison. "We have a very outstanding group. We especially have a great group of freshman, returned missionaries and transfer students."
Decathlon
The decathletes are stronger now than in years past. Returning decathletes Devin Howe, Kevin Keys and Chris Weirich are looking to improve on their success last year and planning to qualify for competition on the national level. They will be joined by freshman Meelis Kosk, who brings fresh talent and the potential to be one of the Cougar's top athletes.
Distance
The BYU distance squad is among the strongest in the country. After winning the MWC and placing 13th at nationals in cross country, the men are prepared to continue that success during the track season. Josh Rohatinsky finished a stellar cross country season with a sixth-place finish at nationals. An All-American in the 10,000 meters last year, he is aiming for a top-three finish at nationals in the event and to rewrite the school record in the 5,000 meters. Steeplechase All-American Josh McAdams will continue his dominance in the distance hurdle event. Other returning distance runners include 2005 regional-qualifiers Chandler Goodwin, Dustin Bybee, Jason Dorais and recently returned missionary Jacob Gustafsson.
Hurdles
Coming off a successful 2005 season, the hurdle crew returns NCAA participants Ben Gardner and Jake Garlick. Their strength in the short and intermediate hurdles will bring depth to the team. Stig Robertson is back from a redshirt year and looking forward to a successful season. Freshman Chris Carter has been steadily progressing and will make a significant contribution to the hurdle and other sprint events.
Pole Vault
Returning 2005 national champion and school record-holder Robison Pratt will be a key contributor to this year's team. Returned missionaries Whitney Neves, Robert Low and Matt Weirich will also add to the depth of this event. Together they plan on success at the national level.
Sprints
The sprinters are up and running towards an excellent 2006 season. Cody Fonnesbeck is returning from an injury and should contribute even more than in previous years. The team is pleased to have Paul Smith return after a year away and expects him to have a great comeback season. Football player/sprinter Nate Soelberg will be focusing his attention on track and plans to have an outstanding senior year.
Throws
The throwers will be led by two-time All-American Niklas Arrhenius. He is poised to make a run for the top spot in the discus this year. The javelin will be a strong event with the addition of high school All-American Chris Reno and top-15 high school athlete Blaine Baker.
Jumps
The high jumpers have the potential to make school history with three jumpers clearing 7 feet or more in David Pendergrass, Bryce Bergen and high school All-American Trevor Heiner. Several others have jumped well and should continue the BYU tradition of excellence during the season. Boian Marinov and Matt Anderson will be important factors in the success of the long and triple jumps.