Sophomore Kandace Arnold has experienced great success early in her college career.

Arnold was the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year for indoor track last season.

Arnold also placed third in shot put at the OVC Indoor Championships with a throw of 41’07.75″ and placed sixth in 20-pound weight throw with a throw of 48’05.50.”

Despite her success, Arnold is ready to give praise to her coach.

“I attribute my success to Coach (Mary) Wallace,” Arnold said. “At first, I was unsure of her coaching methods, but as time went on (during) freshman year, everything became clear to me.”

Arnold said during the Turkey Trails, a preseason event to test athletes before Thanksgiving, she threw the 20-pound weight 54 feet – something she had never done before in her career.

Arnold also did well in the first meet, winning the shot put with a throw of 44’10.75″ and placing second in the 20-pound weight throw with a toss of 54″10.25.”

“Kandace had a great opener,” Wallace said. “What she did in the 20-pound weight throw was awesome. It was something we had seen in practice, so it was nice to see it actually happen when the tape measurers come out.”

Wallace said she thought junior Nicole Walcott was at a similar level in performance and competitiveness.

“Three other girls in the conference are competitive to them,” Wallace said, “I think those events will be some of the most competitive in the conference. But with Kandace and Nicole, I think we have two solid chances at victory there.”

Tobler impressed with Eastern squad

Eastern jumping and vault coach JaRod Tobler is in his first season with the Panthers but is already impressed with what he has seen.

“It has been very exciting,” he said. “Each athlete brings something new to the table, and I can’t say enough about the enthusiasm.”

Tobler said the ability of the new athletes he coaches gives him confidence his team will be able to win another conference championship.

“They’re definitely working hard, and it’s very exciting to be a part of a team that won last year. I know we’re definitely trying to get that repeat for this year.”

Work ethic and diligence are characteristics of the athletes he has been most impressed with, Tober said.

“All the athletes work really hard and listen to what I have to say to them,” he said.

“As long as they work hard and do not take anything for granted, they are definitely (competitive).”

Wallace excited about return of Blondell

Senior middle distance runner Jill Blondell will return to the Panthers after a semester of student teaching.

Wallace said the middle distance runners were a young group.

“It’s good to have Jill back and have some leadership with that group,” Wallace said. “I think that is where our questions lie, just because they are such a young group.

Dan Cusack may be reached at 581-7944 or at dscusack@eiu.edu.

Senior distance runner Amy LeJeune runs in the Women’s mile during Eastern’s Early Bird indoor track meet last December. (Robbie Wroblewski/The Daily Eastern News)

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