On January 8, members of the Bloomsburg University men's and women's track & field teams ventured to Clermont, Fla. to get a head start on training for the spring semester. For the 32 Huskies who traveled, the overall objective of the trip was to have a chance to practice in a warmer climate; however, the adventure became much more than many of the athletes had expected.

"Our team training trip to Clermont Florida was truly an amazing experience. The facility was
outstanding, and in addition to our practices, the people we met and places we went were a
once in a lifetime experience. Being on a trip far away from home with our team brought
us closer together, and we made memories that will last a lifetime."
- Freshman Amanda Darling (Mt. Bethel, Bangor )

It was not long after their arrival in Florida that the Huskies faced a challenge from the University of South Carolina and Bethune-Cookman at the National Training Center in Clermont. The Huskies were up to the challenge in the tri-meet despite having been away from campus for almost four weeks. Bloomsburg competed hard, and it was evident that the team had been diligent in its workouts over the winter break. At the conclusion of the meet, the Huskies could finally turn their attention to the main focus of the trip: training.

The modern National Training Center is home to several professional training groups. The Huskies shared the track with more than half a dozen sub-ten 100m runners while in Florida, including American record holder Tyson Gay. To watch these professional athletes practice was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Bloomsburg University student-athletes. It was an inspiring moment that will continue to push the Huskies to work hard and strive for the top of the podium.

Back at the resort, the BU athletes were able to make the most of their free time.

"Whether we were racing through a scavenger hunt, swinging from a 300-foot Skycoaster, [or] flying around the lake on jet skis… the trip gave us a chance to connect with teammates outside of our event groups, bringing us closer together."
- Sophomore Kelsey Harm (Boothwyn, Cardinal O'Hara)

Building team camaraderie and having fun together was certainly a goal of the coaching staff. The trip to Florida was a “success, plain and simple,” said Head Coach Bernie Empie.

Freshmen thrower Jack Rosenstein (Shohola, Delaware Valley) agrees. “Florida was one of the best team experiences I have ever had.”

Coach Empie continued to say that “without the help of our alumni and the commitment of our student-athletes it would not have happened. A big thank you goes out to everyone involved, and hopefully we can make this a track & field tradition at Bloomsburg University.”

Up next for the Huskies is the Lehigh Mountain Hawk Invite this Saturday, January 22, beginning at 12 p.m. Events will be contested at Rauch Field House.

Story contributed by the BU Track & Field Coaching Staff