Teter takes pole in 2012 women's Little 500 qualifications

It took 10 and a half hours to configure, but the lineup for the women’s Little 500 race is set.

Thirty-three teams participated in qualifications Saturday to earn a spot in the race April 20 and determine the order in which they will be starting.

Earning the fastest time and the pole starting position along with it was two-time defending champion Teter with a time of 2:42.95.

“We don’t usually aim for it,” senior Lauren Gowdy said of the pole position. “We just out there, do what we know how to do, go as fast as possible. You can’t slow it down and hope for a good time.”

Teter was able to grab the top spot despite losing Caitlin Van Kooten from this past year, who recorded the top individual time trial in 2011.

Gowdy said she was happy with her team’s performance without Van Kooten.

“We’re all on the same page as far as the hard work we put in,” she said. “We’re putting out really good results as usual. Caitlin’s not with us. We’re just trying our hardest.”

Rounding out places two through five were Delta Gamma (with a time of 2:44.19), Army (2:44.37), Alpha Gamma Delta (2:45.12) and Kappa Delta (2:45.87).

Kappa Alpha Theta is historically the most successful team in the actual race, but it just missed the top five with a time of 2:47.03.

After its run, Kappa Alpha Theta had the best time before being knocked down a few spots. Regardless, junior Rachel Metherd was satisfied with her team’s time.

“It’s a really great feeling,” she said. “It’s the first time we’ve ever gone early. It means we can challenge other teams to do well today. Our exchanges were good. Our laps were fast, and we didn’t fault this year. I’m happy.”

Normally three faults disqualifies a team from qualifying for the Little 500, but this year was different. With 33 teams and 33 spots available, every team automatically landed a spot in the race. Qualifications were purely used to determine starting positions this year.

This was fortunate for Alpha Delta Pi, whose three faults would have excluded them from participating in the big race in a normal year.

Their younger team, Alphie, is made up of pledges and made their first ever appearance in qualifications this year.

“It’s really exciting,” freshman Kelsey McBarron said. “I’m so happy that we have this opportunity. Being able to be on a team with my pledge class is great because I’ve got to know these girls so well.”

McBarron also said her older team has supported her and her young teammates.

“They’re really supportive,” she said. “They really want us to do well because we’re the future. We’re all in the same house, so we support each other.”

Despite obtaining the top qualifying spot, Teter isn’t boasting at all. Instead, Gowdy sets a tone for her team by making humble comments about its time.

 “I thought it was pretty good,” she said. “Put out a good time, I guess.”