Gutsy Performances and PRs at ECACs

(5/16/2009) Full Results

For everyone except the trio of Jumbos heading to the National Championships, this years ECAC meet represented the culmination of another year of hard work, dedication, and determination. For some, it went so far as to represent the conclusion of four years of grit and desire. Heading back to Springfield College for the 2009 ECAC Championships, many Jumbos looked to finish off the season on a high note. And many would.

The duo of Phil Rotella and Colin Fitzgerald each ended their Tufts career on a high note as they clocked in with PR performances in the 200m dash. Rotella, coming off his school record 100m from 2 weeks prior, added the 4th best 200m all time to his repertoire with his 22.03. Fitzgerald was hot on his heels improving his PR by 0.13 seconds to 22.17. A great final showing from both of these two decorated veterans.

From there, the focus goes from the older generation to the younger. Freshman quarter-miler Ben Crastnopol continued to impress this season as he consistently ran near sub50 second times. Although his 50.27 was a hair off his PR of 50.09, it was a great way to finish off his strong first year at Tufts.

Another athlete who showed consistency at his newfound fitness level was sophomore Jeff Ragazzini. Ragazzini pushed himself hard throughout his entire race to run the 2nd fastest 1500m of his life finishing in 4:00.40, good enough for an 8th place finish. Junior captain Nick Welch also added his own 2nd best personal performance in the 3000m Steeplechase when he ran a season best time of 9:36.96.

Even with these gutsy performances on the track, some of the most impressive season finishes came in the field events. The pair of vertical jumpers Isaiah Paramore (HJ) and Sam Read (PV) brought their A-game to this weekends championships. Read, competing in the face of a difficult hip injury, cleared 14-4 and narrowly missed attempts at a new PR of 14-10. Later that day, Paramore would nearly claim the 2009 ECAC title with his clearance of 2.00m (6-6.75). The 10cm PR for Paramore was nearly a 15cm one as he brushed the bar at the national qualifying height of 2.05m (6-8.75).

Next weekend the Jumbos will venture to the great Marietta, OH for the 2009 NCAA Championships and an opportunity to compete against the best in the nation. Stay tuned.



Full Results