Fitter Heading to NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships

Information courtesy of Keene State College

It’s been a strange spring season for Keene State College track Coach Peter Thomas. Not only has Thomas, now in his 29th season with the Owls, been concerned about qualifying athletes for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, but also keeping them healthy.          

“You always have your share of injuries throughout a season, but nothing like this,” said Thomas.  “Sometimes, it’s beyond your control.”         

Although three Keene State athletes qualified for the national meet that begins Thursday at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse, only two will make the trip to the Badger State. 

Senior Maggie Fitter (Branford) will compete in the 800-meter event and junior Ryan Widzgowski (Camden, Maine) will race in the 1,500.  Senior Glenn Guilmette (Kensington, N.H.), a two-time All-American, had to pull out of the javelin competition due to an arm injury.           

Fitter won’t be at full-strength for the meet. She has a stress fracture in her left foot which has caused her to deviate from her usual workout schedule.
“This time going to nationals is different than the past, said Fitter, who is seeded 20th out of 22 runners in the 800 field with a qualifying time of 2:12.48. “I usually put a lot of pressure on myself and expect a lot from myself. But when I found out I had this stress fracture, I had to modify everything.”          

“After getting hurt her goal was to make the trip,” said Thomas. “Basically the pressure is off. Whatever she does from this point is a bonus.”          

“Once I get out there I’ll see how I feel,” said Fitter.  “It’s like a blessing in disguise.  The last few weeks I’ve been having more fun – even though I’m running on a foot that hurts – there’s nothing expected of me so I can relax and just enjoy it.  Regardless what happens, it will be a nice ending to my college career.”          

Fitter will be looking to earn her third All-America honor.  She was a member of the KSC distance medley relay team that placed third at the indoor championships her sophomore season. This winter, Fitter captured her second All-America award, finishing fourth in the 800.          

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