Call it beginner’s luck. Or call it superb athleticism. Either way, the Syracuse record books are calling it the best pentathlon in school history.

Sheron Mark competed in the pentathlon for the first time last weekend at the Cornell 4 Way – 3,426 points later, the sophomore jumper etched her name into the record books. Mark won’t compete in the pentathlon this weekend, but her jumping talents will be on display as the Orange travels to the University of Illinois for the Illinois Invitational.

The pentathlon consists of the high jump, long jump, shot put, 60-meter hurdles and 800-meter run. A veteran of the high and long jumps, Mark tried the latter three for the first time in competition. Needless to say, she adapted quickly.‘She did great,’ said assistant coach Enoch Borozinski. ‘For her first time doing the pentathlon, setting the school record shows she has so much talent.’

When the idea was brought up in practice, Mark said she’d be willing to try it out and see how it goes. She acknowledged that the 800 meters would be a challenge, but she spent time in practice conditioning. With the right frame of the mind, Mark insisted she’d be able rise to the occasion.

‘I had to sit down and think about it,’ Mark said. ‘I knew it would be hard compared to just the jumps. But I think it went well and I’ll be able to do it now.’

Mark was not totally satisfied with the record-breaking performance. She acknowledged that there is room for improvement, particularly in the events that she is just getting used to. Borozinski is at ease knowing that Mark’s early success will give her more confidence.

Confidence is something Mark should have plenty of, considering her track record. The Trinidad and Tobago native won a national championship and set a national record in the triple jump in high school.

‘I was really happy with (the record),’ Mark said. ‘All the islands down there were competing in it and I did well.’

After conquering the competition in the Caribbean, Mark jumped from beaches to blizzards. Despite the change in country and climate, the move was exactly what she desired.

‘I wanted to be in New York because I have a lot of family in New York City,’ Mark said. ‘Syracuse was close enough. I also wanted a change in climate. Syracuse had a good balance between sports and academics, too.’

With a keen interest in natural science and math, Mark intends to major in biochemistry. She has aspirations of medical school or chemical engineering.

Until then, the Orange is hoping that Mark continues to engineer first-place finishes. Whether or not that happens in the pentathlon remains to be seen.

‘Multi-events are very difficult,’ Borozinksi said. ‘There are no long-term plans. We’ll wait until the end of the year and re-evaluate then.’

As for this weekend in Champaign, Ill., Mark will compete in her favorite event, the triple jump.

‘Out of all the events, there’s something about the triple jump that I like,’ Mark said. ‘I’m looking forward to seeing my performance in it.’

Borozinski already has a good idea.

‘She’s such a talent,’ Borozinksi said. ‘Whether it’s the long, triple or high, she’s the best all-around jumper.’

Published on January 26, 2005 at 12:00 pm