The Goshen College men’s and women’s track and field teams will open their season this Saturday, traveling south for the Mastodon Invite at Purdue Fort Wayne. With the departure of former track and field head coach Sean Foulkes after their team’s outdoor season in 2024, the coaching responsibilities are being shared by Rustin Nyce, director of track and field operations, and Lisa Voyles, associate head coach. Voyles was hired in August, and is an eight-time national track and field champion and a 13-time All American.
“[Voyles has] done a really good job of incorporating other things that we have kind of slacked off on in the past,” said Jordan Garlinger, a senior runner on the track team. “I feel like people are a lot more diligent about getting lifting done … overall I feel like [Voyles has] made a big impact on the team and it should be going in the right direction.”Abby Aldrich, a junior thrower, also saw a big change from last year to now. “I would say the intensity is a major shift from last year,” Aldrich said. “We all push each other and give our all in everything we do. I have never been this motivated and excited to get in the weight room, push heavy weight and throw farther than ever.”
“This is the closest I have ever felt with my teammates and they would say the same,” she added.
When asked about her style of coaching Voyles said: “I feel like I have a pretty professional relationship with everybody and I enjoy talking to every single one of them … It’s been positive and encouraging, I like to remind them of their value and that we want to do what’s best for them, whatever that may look like.”
Looking ahead, both Nyce and Voyles are optimistic concerning the events Voyles can make a difference in, but also in the program overall.
“I have a lot of experience with training for middle distance, so that area would definitely be my strength,” said Voyles.
“We want to continue to be relevant on the national level, but we also want the program to continue to work in developing everybody. I want as much as [Voyles] can offer and hope she can share her knowledge especially in relating to the student-athletes,” said Nyce.
While the first meet back is more of a “rust buster,” according to Garlinger, the goal of nationals is shared by the athletes as well as the coaches.
“As a team, we’re still trying to go to nationals,” Garlinger said. “I think a lot of us shifted focus to trying to do well in individual events. I know Anthony [Roberts] for sure has a shot of qualifying himself for the mile, I’m going to try pretty hard in the 800 and mile. It would be nice to take a few relays with us as well.”
Despite the lofty goals, the team is making an effort to stay grounded. Aldrich said, “Our main focus is to improve every meet, every day, every throw. It doesn’t matter what everyone else throws, compete against yourself. That’s the beauty of the sport, you compete as yourself, but for the benefit of a team.
“All it takes is one major throw, so we need to give our all.”
With reporting by Liliana Herrera.
