Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505180013
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
They are the unquestioned team leaders, both on and off the track, and have left an indelible mark on the program. Fortunately for the Blue Demon faithful, they have every intention of returning for two more meets.
The pair hopes to carry the Blue Demons to the Region IV and Group AA girls state track and field championships. If they collect some individual hardware along the way, it will surprise nobody.
"... you have to like their chances," said Christiansburg Coach Norma Cox, of the pair's prospects at the regional and state meets. "They have really dug down when they had to."
After capturing individual titles and helping Christiansburg capture the team title at the New River District track meet last week, Eigel and Jackson have shifted their focus to those big meets. With the Region IV meet set for Friday at Lee County High School, the two have individual crowns to defend, in addition to helping the Blue Demons retain their team title.
Jackson captured the regional crown in the shot put last year, with a throw of 36'4 3/4, and finished second in the discus.
"I would love to win a regional and a state title," said Jackson, who owns the school record in the discus with a throw of 132 feet. "It would be a dream come true."
It would also be a dream that has traveled a rather circuitous route. Jackson got her start in the shot put when she was noticed participating in the softball throw as a seventh-grader.
Jackson enjoyed a quick ascension in the world of shot putting and qualified for the Junior Olympics, where she advanced to the national competition in Atlanta as an eighth-grader.
"It was awesome [going to Atlanta]. We got to spend the night and the competition was great," said Jackson, who also played basketball and volleyball.
While Jackson specializes in the field events she did venture onto the track once this year. In a meet at Carroll County, people began participating in various events. Jackson, thinking she was finished for the day, was eating a post-meet meal when she was approached about running in the 1,600-meter relay.
Jackson submitted to the prodding of her teammates and agreed to run. She fared well through 200 meters, only to run out of gas.
"I don't have sprinter's speed," she said, with a laugh.
With her high school days coming to a close, Jackson has set her sights on college. She plans to attend Radford University, but if an offer to participate in college athletics were to arise she would listen.
Eigel's collegiate plans are to run track at James Madison University. But she is quick to remind you that she is still in high school - which means there is unfinished business.
Last year Eigel captured the regional title in the 1,600 and finished second in the 3,200. In the state meet she finished second and third respectively in those events. Those results obviously make her a favorite, but she isn't assuming anything.
"I can think of five people off the top of my head who are capable of capturing [the mile]," said Eigel, who owns the school record in the 1,600 [5:05] and the 3,200 [11:03]. "I would really like to repeat in regionals [as an individual and team titlist] and win the state team title. As freshmen, we set a goal to win the team title, and it looks realistic."
"Maureen and I will have to have good days, and we will need some surprise points [from other team members]. I think we have the best talent, but we all need to have a good day."
by CNB