If not, the Golden Eagles could serve as bottom-feeders at the Big East Championship.,”

At the absolute least, both the men's and women's track teams need senior Tommy Schmitz and juniors Cassie Peller and Ray Bratchett to replicate their indoor-season production during the outdoor season.

If not, the Golden Eagles could serve as bottom-feeders at the Big East Championship. The squads need the three experienced athletes at a time when the teams have yet to prove competitive in the Big East.

In Schmitz, the men have a funnyman character who came into his own this season after struggling with injuries in his first three and redshirting another.

"I'm gunning for Uhrich's school records," said Schmitz of head coach Dave Uhrich, who holds the outdoor school record in the 1,500-meter competition as well as two outdoor relay records.

"I would like to make the National Championship, and we'll see where it goes from there," Schmitz said. "That would be pretty sweet."

Most importantly, Schmitz said his main goal is constant improvement. He is in the best shape of his life right now, and said he has yet to peak.

Like Schmitz, Peller is also a reliable 1,500m mid-distance runner. In her last indoor meet, she finished in 4:49:03. After indoor season ended (Mar. 3 in Notre Dame, Ind.), she allowed herself a week of light workouts. Spring break was no lounge act, though, as she ran and continues to run 55 miles per week. Schmitz runs 60 miles per week.

"Coach Uhrich has to watch me," said Peller, who is prone to overtraining. "And it stinks because I want to go out, like Tommy (Schmitz) and Scott (Mueller) are going out for a five-mile run (Tuesday) but I can't. Partly because I have homework but mostly because I don't want to overextend myself."

Bratchett, too, the team's high-jumper, must watch his training. In order to rest a barking knee, he partook in little physical activity the week following the meet at Notre Dame. Bratchett said his knee has been healthy since then.

His best jump this season is 6-11. Last season, he eclipsed seven feet. Historically, he has performed better indoors than out. Nonetheless, he enjoys outdoor far more.

"There's definitely more excitement," Bratchett said. "There are more opportunities because there are more events in outdoor."

Bratchett will run the 4 x 100 relay, 2,000m and compete in the high jump, his specialty. He came to Marquette as a sprinter and now jumps, sprints and runs mid-distance.

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