Juniors Kim Brewer, Bristol, VT, and Kristen Sinclair, Manchester, ME, have excelled early in the outdoor season for the USM Women’s Track Team. In fact, Brewer and Sinclair, two of the team’s captains, recently led the team to a victory in the Rhode Island Invitational.
At the meet, held Saturday April 13, Kim Brewer finished first in both the long jump and the 100 Meter Hurdles, while Sinclair threw the longest toss in the Javelin. The Huskies scored nearly twice as many points (162) as their closest competitor (Bentley College – 86 points). In addition to being teammates on the track team, Sinclair and Brewer are also roommates. Even though they don’t compete in the same events, USM’s dynamic duo motivate each other to improve. “We encourage each other 100 percent. We keep on cheering for each other and we always stay very positive, ” said Sinclair.
In addition to the Long Jump and 100 Meter Hurdles, Brewer also competes in the heptathlon, which is her favorite event. Brewer kicked off the outdoor season in style breaking the USM record in the heptathlon at the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Florida. Brewer’s score automatically qualified her for the Nationals in May.
Brewer’s track career officially began in junior high. However, because her entire family participated in the sport, it really began much earlier than that. Brewer is an athletic training major and said it is not always easy to find the right balance between track and academics. “I practice at odd times, but I do manage to fit it in around my school work, ” said Brewer. Brewer can see an improvement in this year’s team. “We definitely have a lot more talent. We have a lot of new athletes and they bring new depth to the team, ” said Brewer.
Kristen Sinclair did not participate in track and field until her junior year of high school. Sinclair played softball, until she suffered a dislocated collarbone while playing basketball. Sinclair decided to give track and field a shot and when she did she discovered a talent for throwing the javelin. Sinclair won the javelin event at the State of Maine Meet on April 10 with a throw just over 132 feet. Subsequently, Sinclair was named the Little East Conference Field Athlete of the Week.
Prior to the season, Sinclair set a goal for herself. “I wanted to throw the javelin 140 feet, ” said Sinclair. On March 25 Sinclair threw the javelin 140 feet and eight inches; it is currently the top throw in the nation. Sinclair is a sociology major. If the combination of track and college wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Sinclair also has a part time job. Sinclair believes the Huskies have what it takes to win the Little East Conference Title. “We have a good bunch of girls. The freshmen bring new life to the team and they’re doing some good things. I definitely think we can win the conference title, ” said Sinclair.
Kevin Moran can be contacted at [email protected]