By: Bob Shaughnessy

Posted: 1/14/10

The coaches have spoken.

The Ohio Valley Conference looks to be just as competitive as it was last season. 

The other familiarity from last season is that the OVC coaches have chosen the Panthers to repeat their championship performance. The men received three of four first place votes while the women received six first place votes.

The men will be looking for their twelfth championship in the last 14 years. In order to do so, they will have to fight off strong opponents such as Eastern Kentucky (one first place vote), Southeast Missouri and Tennessee State. 

"It's like a three-headed monster between Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee State and us for the championship every year," head coach Tom Akers said.

EKU, who finished third last season, will be looking to return to its championship form of 2008. Leading the way for the Colonels will be reining Co-OVC Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year Stanley Mugo. 

Another strong opponent the Panthers should be looking at is Southeast Missouri. The Redhawks are led by senior Audrey Harwood and reigning OVC Male Field Athlete of the Year Joshua Uchtman. 

"SEMO and Eastern Kentucky will probably be our toughest challenge," senior jumper Ian Winston said.

Even with other OVC teams looking strong, the Panthers are sure they can repeat, but they have to put last season's impressive performance in the past.

"As long as they do not get caught up with what happened last year (they can repeat as champions)," assistant coach JaRod Tobler said. "They have to put it on the back burner and focus on this year."

If Winston can repeat his dominant performance from the last season, the Panthers should have no problem returning to their championship form. Winston was a first team All-OVC last season after he finished first in the high and triple jumps at the 2009 OVC Outdoor Championship.

Also leading the way will be sophomore Zye Boey, who finished first in both the 60-meter and 200-meter dash at last year's championship. Boey also holds an Eastern record for the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.66 seconds. 

Senior thrower Kandace Arnold, who won the championship in the weight throw and shot put last season, will lead the women. 
Although the OVC Indoor Championship does not take place till Feb. 26, it is still something that is lingering in the back of all the athletes' minds. 

For now, they will have to focus on their upcoming meet, which will be next Saturday at Lantz Field House. 

Bob Shaughnessy can be reached at 
581-7944 or bshaughnessy@eiu.edu

© Copyright 2010 The Daily Eastern News