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 [ Friday, Jan. 28, 2005 ] Former PSU sprinter returns to Happy Valley
Women's Track
By Andrew Staub
Collegian Staff Writer
As Penn State women's indoor track coach Beth Alford-Sullivan said last week, Penn State's "No. 1 gal" is coming home. Connie Moore, a 2004 U.S. Olympian and a former Nittany Lions sprinter, will compete in the 200-meter dash at the Penn State National Open today and tomorrow at the Multi-Sport Facility. "It's always great to have our alumni back," Alford-Sullivan said. "Especially when they're competing." | ||||
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During her collegiate career, Moore garnered All-America honors 11 times, was named the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Region Track and Field Athlete of the Year and earned the honor of Big Ten Track and Field Athlete of the Year twice. Moore also holds individual Penn State indoor track records in the 60-meter, 200-meter and 300-meter events. In addition, she was also a member of the record-holding 4 x 400 relay team. |
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Collegian File Photo
Connie Moore runs in the 4 x 400 relay for Penn State. This weekend, the 11-time All-American will return to State College competing for Nike Elite.
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Since graduating from Penn State last May, Moore spent two months in Athens for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games and has earned a Nike sponsorship as one of Nike's Elite Athletes. Moore, however, is looking forward to her trip back to Centre County. "It's kind of my second home," Moore said. "That's how I look at Penn State." The Penn State National Open will be Moore's first meet of the year, and she will use it as a test to see where her abilities are currently. For the first time in four years, Moore will be lining up on the track against the Lions. "It'll be weird for me to step on the track and not be in a Penn State uniform," Moore said. Moore also said that she would feel differently not lining up for the 4 x 400 relay at the end. Alford-Sullivan feels the same nostalgia as Moore, but still has kept her competitive attitude going into this weekend's meet. "Our team will be ready to run against her," Alford-Sullivan said. This weekend will reunite two Penn State track and field Olympians -- Alford-Sullivan served as an assistant coach on the Olympic squad with Moore. Alford-Sullivan said representing the United States was a great honor. Sharing it with Moore made it better. Although for the first time in years the two will be on opposing sides, it is certain that both Moore and Alford-Sullivan are happy to have the chance to meet again. "It's just great to have her back," Alford-Sullivan said. | ||||
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