Since the dawn of creation, man has fought one another. Male versus female, weak against strong, big against small. But when it comes to rivalry, does size really matter?

For the campus track and field team, size does make a difference in competition. With only 23 members, facing off against larger teams creates a reason to strive for excellence.

One of the advantages participating in sports at a smaller school is the personal attention one receives from the coaches.

?Having a small school gives us an advantage when we compete,? Danae Cook, ?05, said. ?Our coaches are able to focus on us as athletes, so we are able to improve. With a bigger school, coaches do not have enough time to focus one on one with an athlete.?

Some athletes believe that a bigger school actually has they benefit, because they have a larger pool of athletes to select from.

?Since our school is smaller, the number of students who want to participate in track is smaller,? Micah Walker, ?05, said. ?Larger schools are able to have athletes who are dedicated to just track and more focused.?

In the end, most athletes find their team?s talent and experience is more important than the actual size of the school.

?In our meet against Fowler we set a lot of personal records,? Tim Wilborn, ?06, said. ?As the season progresses we will get better. Right now we still have to learn some things, but after time we will improve.?

Because of their size, the campus team is unable to compete in certain events, which reduces the total number of medals they are eligible to win.

?We are only allowed in certain events,? Matt Doyle, ?06, said. ?Our school usually has one track member in an event while the larger schools have five. The likelihood of earning more medals than the bigger schools goes way down.?

Some athletes believe that the benefits of a smaller school also make a difference away from the track field. The chance to get to know other teammates is easy in a small school.

?In-between our events, we spend time together and talk to a person we would not usually talk to at school,? Kara Linkowski, ?08, said. ?Even when we are not participating, we still support and encourage one another.?

At the Corcoran meet Kaley Hearnsberger, Kara Linkowski, Kelly Gong and Jen VandenHoek placed third in the 4×400 on April 9. Leah Fynaut broke her personal two mile record, and the one mile record for the school. Aaron Ortiz placed a new record in the mile, and James Brown in the two mile. Aliza Ford qualified for the finals in both the 100 and 1000 hurdles.

The next track meet will be held Wed. April 13. The meet will be away, against Caruthers. For more information regarding track and field, contact coach Ericlee Gilmore at 299-1695, ext. 140.