Perfect Score 5k, Solid Times in 8k at Home Invite

(9/11/2008) Full Results

This weekend, the Jumbos made the familiar trip to Grafton, MA, for the Jumbo Invitational. A solid group of teams from the region convened at the challenging course, putting together a competitive 8k field and a nice group of 5kers as well. The slightly modified course was similar to the course that Tufts competed on the week prior to Trinity, with many tough hills and rough footing. Resting many of their athletes, including some varsity runners, Tufts managed to put together a very impressive sweep in the 5k, taking the first five places and 10 of the first 13. Captain Nick Welch led the way, crossing the line in 16:44. He led from the gun, running at a very controlled effort. Junior Ryan Lena and sophomores Jeff Ragazzini and Chris Brunnquell followed Welch, in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively. Lena led the tight pack that ran together for the the entire race, finishing in 17:09. Freshman Henry Frey completed the Jumbo sweep in fine form, crossing the line in 17:56, continuing his steady early season improvements with a Grafton PR. The freshmen behind him also ran very strong races.

In the 8k, the Jumbos added some more solid races. Senior captain David Tilton crossed the line in the first scoring spot for Tufts, finishing in 28:39. Senior Andrew Lee was next across the line, followed by sophomores Andrew Bellet, Sam Hutchinson, Anthony Pellittieri, and Brendan Blaney. Bellet had a tough race, after falling and losing a shoe in the opening stretch, but moved up throughout and finished strong.

The Jumbos will travel next weekend to the UMASS-Dartmouth Invitational, though the varsity runners will not be competing. The fast course annually is often host to a number of 8k PRs. The full varsity squad will race the following week at Connecticut College on September 27th.


Full Results