Tufts Second Against Tough Competition at Bowdoin

(1/29/2005) Full Results

The Jumbos had good performances from several athletes, but came up short against tough competition from MIT. Tufts came into the meet with several key players dealing with minor mid season aches and pains, and knew that they were facing an uphill battle to defeat a strong MIT squad. However, the Jumbos were excited for the challenge and several members of the team stepped up with big performances to try and fill in for their fellow teammates.

Trevor Williams, Andrew Gordetsky, Nate Scott and Dustin Virgilio teamed up to take second through fifth place in the 400 meters for a total of 20 points in the event. Nate Cleveland and Pat Mahoney teamed up for a two-three finish in the 600 meters, both posting qualifying times for the New England Championships in the event. Aaron Kaye and Nate Thompson picked up wins for the Jumbos in the 800 meters and 55 meter hurdles, respectively.

Perhaps the most exciting event at the meet was the 3000 meters. Bowdoin's Andrew Coombs, MIT's Ben Schmeckpeper, and Tufts own Matt Lacey and Matt Fortin quickly separated themselves from the pack and made it clear that they were looking for a fast race. Coombs had confided in Lacey prior to the race that he was chasing the facility record of 8:33. With 600 meters to go, Lacey made a move around the pack and started a break. Coombs covered the move, and the pair left Schmeckpepper and Fortin behind going into the final laps. Lacey led until the last 150 meters, when Coombs' 1500 meter speed carried him around Lacey and smoothly to a facility record time. Lacey's personal best 8:31.21 also shattered the facility record, and moved him ever closer to the school record held by multiple time All-American, David Patterson.

The Jumbos finished off the day with victories in both relay events, and a national qualifying performance by Fred Jones in the long jump of 23-00.5, which was good enough for a trip to nationals last winter. Despite all of the great performances, Tufts was overpowered by MIT's strength in the weight events and the sprints.

Tufts looks forward to another competition with MIT at the New England Championships February 18-19 here at Tufts own Gantcher Center. The ride home from lovely Brunswick, ME was highlighted by Jason Galvin's record setting performance in the Amato's "Bucket of Ziti" challenge, a perennial event among the throwers and the occasional brave (or foolish) sprinter, jumper or distance runner. Tufts will be competing next at home in the Tufts Invitational #3 on February 5th!


Full Results