The weather has caused many problems this year for nearly everybody at Penn State. It was no different for the women's track team, which endured several cancellations of meets and practices this winter.

The missed competition may have led to the failure to field any participants at the NCAA Championships held on March 11-12 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Kelli Hunt and Kim Kelly were attempting to qualify for the 5,000 meter, while the distance medley relay team was also waiting in the wings. They didn't know whether they would be competing until last Monday night when they found out they did not qualify.

"This is the worst winter we've ever had (in State College) and considering the circumstances that we can't control, we did as good as possible," Coach Teri Jordan said. "We couldn't get in the shape we needed to be in. It's been a rough winter."

The third-place finish in Iowa for the relay team was not good enough to qualify for the nationals. But Kelly Hickman, a member of the team, was not disappointed with the team's performance.

"We tried to do the best we could," Hickman said. "You can't be disappointed with that."

The tough competition also may have factored in not sending any runners to the championships.

"You have to have close to All-American status to go," Jordan said. "You have to get the performances early in the season."

Jordan remains confident for the upcoming outdoor season. Without the cancellations from inclement weather, the team should be able to improve on their individual and team performances.

"We're looking optimistically at the future," Jordan said. "In perspective, compared to what we've faced, we're hoping for better."

Hickman is also looking forward to the outdoor season. She said she thinks that the team as a whole will improve on their times for more success in their events.

"Winter is just a stepping stone to spring," Hickman said. "In the springtime, people get more motivated."