Top recruits prepare to compete

The Indiana University women\'s track team was able to bring several top recruits to IU with the success of last season. These recruits will get their first opportunity to compete for the team against the Michigan Wolverines. The meet will be held noon Saturday in the Gladstein Fieldhouse.\nAmong the new freshman there were five state champions and one 2000 Nike Indoor National Champion. These recruits compliment a team that is the reigning Big Ten Outdoor Champion and begins the season ranked in the top 11 in the nation.\nThe field events gained some great talent. Christina Archibald, a native Hoosier, won the state title twice in the high jump during her high school career. She also spent the fall playing for the IU volleyball team. Carolyn Schopf, from Germany, holds top marks from her country in both the long jump and high jump. Emily Tharpe, from Erie, Pa., was 2000 Nike Indoor National pole vault champion and also one several state title in her events in high school. \nMindy Peterson, who continually finished in the top five for cross country this fall, won the Illinois state championship in both the 800 and 1600 meters. Ara Towns looks to help the Hoosiers this season in the sprint events. She won three consecutive Virginia state titles in the 100 meters and was named an Indoor All-American in the 60 meters three times as well. Charlene Maddox looks to help out in the 400 meters after red-shirting last season.\nTharpe said said she believes that the freshmen will help improve an already talented team.\n\"I think (our entire) freshmen that came in are very talented," she said. "We are adjusting to the college atmosphere but I think all of us can help out."\nHead coach Randall Heisler expects the freshmen to do well.\n"I expect six or seven of our freshmen to win or place second in their events," he said. "For the most part I only participate those athletes that are ready to score."\nThe team has been practicing since September and is looking forward to the first meet of the season. \n"Everyone has been training hard," said junior long jumper Tandra Foster. "Judging by practice we are (ready)"