By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

 

Kathy Fleming’s first year as the girls indoor track coach at Natick High has been positive.

The 57-year-old Fleming, who served as the program’s assistant coach for the last eight years, guided the Redhawks to a 3-2 record during the dual-meet season and saw some of her competitors get top-notch results at both the Bay State Conference Meet and the Division 1 State Meet.

The Redhawks’ triumphs during the regular season came against Milton, Brookline and Framingham, and the setbacks were against Wellesley and Newton North.

At the Bay State Conference Championship Meet, Natick finished third with 69 points. Newton North was first (93 points) and Weymouth was second (80 points). “We had a great team effort at the BSC meet,’’ Fleming said. “We faced quality teams that are some of the best in the state.’’

 At the Division 1 State Meet, the Redhawks finished third with 51 points. Lexington took first (84.87 points) and Newton North was second (60.74 points). “It’s a great time to be leading the girls program,’’ said Fleming after the State Meet. “The girls are dedicated, committed and talented.’’

Fleming is no stranger to track. She practically became a household name when she competed at Massapequa High School in Long Island, N.Y. She achieved the No. 1 ranking nationally in the 1500-meter run and captured six state titles in other events. A Villanova University graduate, she excelled in track and was also a member of the Wildcats’ 1989 NCAA champion cross-country squad.

“After graduation, I became a professional athlete, competing in track for sponsors that included Reebok, Nike and New Balance,’’ said Fleming, who’s married and has three children. “During my 10 years at the pro level, I competed in four Olympic Trials. I later coached at Boston College and Wellesley College.’’

Besides coaching at the high school level, the Long Island native currently works as a coach for recreation programs, women’s running clubs, and private individuals.

Fleming, who will coach Natick’s girls outdoor team in the spring, set three goals for this year’s indoor contingent.

“I wanted our competitors to enjoy track and have fun,’’ she said. “Keeping them committed to the sport is a priority. I also wanted good outcomes in post-season meets and to make sure our girls get the support they deserve in the post-season.’’

Fleming’s philosophy of coaching focuses on improving and learning a lesson from every meet. “It’s important to have fun, reach one’s potential, and learn something about yourself from each event whether it’s a win or a loss,’’ she said. “And, track can teach life lessons, like dealing with adversity and striving to be resilient.’’

Fleming’s group has displayed some very important strengths.

“We’re skilled in the hurdles, sprints, field events and distance events,’’ she said. “We have experience and depth, the girls have a high track IQ and they’re coachable.’’

Following is a thumbnail look at the girls who’ve been the nucleus of this successful squad with comments from Fleming.

THE CAPTAINS

SYDNI CHANDLER, who competes in the hurdles, high jump and long jump, has committed to compete in track at Wesleyan College. She scored 20 points at the BSC meet, finishing first in the high jump, second in the hurdles and second with the 4x200 relay team. At the State Meet, she finished second in the high jump and fifth in the hurdles. Her 5 feet, 2-inch high jump was a personal best. A multi-talented senior, she’s Natick’s Pentathlete state medalist. Currently, her score is listed eighth in the nation. A BSC all-star, “she’s a great team player who accepts challenges, has lots of energy and leads by example and by being communicative. She can jump, is athletic, and strong.’’ 

TAYLOR BUSS runs the 55 and 300-meter events. A senior, “she communicates well and also is a vocal leader. Willing to do whatever it takes to improve, her ability and endurance are strengths.’’

SARAH GOLDEN competes in the 300 and 600-meter events. “A vocal senior leader who is easy to approach, she’ll be attending Georgetown University in the fall. Able to focus on upcoming priorities, she’s very competitive and relies on endurance.’’

AUDREY LIN runs the 1000-meter and mile events. “A leader by example, she has greatly improved. A hard-working and dedicated senior, she has tremendous focus, relies on her stride and is very smart about maintaining her pace.’’

ALISON JENNINGS competes in the 600 and 1000-meter events. “Always smiling, she’s dedicated and an excellent communicator. An even-keel senior, she’s improved her times in spite of physical setbacks.’’

OTHER COMPETITORS

EMMANUELLA EDOZIEN is a national qualifier in the 55-meter hurdles this season and she competed at the New Balance Nationals last spring in the 100-meter hurdles. A junior, she had a dynamic effort at the State Meet, finishing first in both the 55-meter hurdles and the long jump. Her 7.96 time in the hurdles was not only a school record, but also the fastest time ever in Massachusetts. Her distance in the long jump was 18 feet, 8.75 inches. At the BSC Meet, she scored 15 points, finishing second in the long jump, second with the 4x200 relay team, and fourth in the hurdles. She also competes in the 55-meter dash. “She’s athletic, powerful and dedicated.’’

 CHLOE ELDER is a junior whose time of 40.12 seconds in the 300-meter run enabled her to finish first at the BSC meet. She was not been beaten in any BSC meets this year. At the State Meet, she was first in the 300 in a time of 40.25 seconds. Last spring, she broke a longstanding Natick High record in the 400-meter. Her time was 57.41 seconds. “Also competing in the 600-meter and the 4x400 and the 4x200 relays, Chloe accepts challenges, has good endurance and natural speed.’’

KENDALL HACKER is a senior who played on two state championship soccer teams and has committed to Bowdoin College to play soccer. “Competing in the 400, 600 and 1000-meter events, she’s a great leader and solid communicator. A very solid runner with a great range of speed and strength (endurance), she’s scored many points this season in the 600-meter run. Playing in soccer tournaments at the club level has helped her stay healthy and strong.’’

LILLIAN CHISHOLM competes in the shot put and high jump. A junior, “she’s a talented point-scorer who’s strong, athletic and willing to adapt.’’ Her personal best in the shot put was 30 feet, 10 inches but she surpassed that effort at the BSC meet, finishing first with a throw of 33 feet, 8.5 inches, a personal best.

MEGAN JOYCE runs the 1000-meter and mile events. A sophomore, “she’s strong and tough, instinctive and knows how to adapt. She’s an efficient runner who has a great stride.’’

ASSISTANT COACHES

Fleming has a staff of assistant coaches that she respects for their knowledge and ability to instruct in all areas of track.

They include Than Bogan (high jump, pole vault); Gary Coles (long jump, triple jump); Erin Toomey (hurdles); Ivor Ford (shot put); and Ralph Roper (sprints).