PRs Keep Coming at Stampede and BU

(2/4/2015 2:17 PM) Full Results

This weekend the Jumbos competed in the Tufts Stampede, their second home meet of the season. While most of the men ran at home, a small contingent traveled to Boston University to race in the John Thomas Invitational. The team posted some great results both at the home and at BU, with PRs continuing to fall across multiple event groups.

On the distance side, the 3000m proved to be one of the highlights of the day. Lead by senior James Traester (8:40.96), three Jumbos (Marshall Pagano, Luke O’Connor, and Traester) qualified for the Indoor DIII New England championship in the 3K and all posted flat-track PRs. The 5000m was also an exciting race. Sophomore Tim Nichols ran a PR (14:57) in that event as he finally dipped under the 15 minute barrier, with Junior Michael Curley posting his own new personal best of 15:07. Freshman Tom DePalma had a breakout race in the 1000m placing fourth in 2:35, qualifying for the DIII New England Championships. Not far behind DePalma, was freshman Sam Little who ran 2:38 for seventh place.

The 60m was another great race for the Jumbos as sophomores Tom Wang and Henry Zhou went 2-3 in 8.97 sec and 9.07 sec, respectively. Junior Atticus Swett also had a strong performance as he placed third in both the shot put and the weight throw.

On the Friday preceding the Stampede, Tufts also held a multis meet in which junior Alex Karys and senior Allan Yau competed. With events occurring on both Friday and Saturday, both heptathletes had to constantly refuel and reenergize in order to get ready for their next event. At the end of it all, Karys posted a third place finish and Yau placed fourth to secure championship season berths later in the winter.

Over at BU, the Jumbos also had their fair share of exhilarating performances. Most notably, the Tufts 4x400 relay posted the second-fastest Division III time in the country up to this point with a 3:18.17. The relay was comprised of junior Veer Bhalla, junior Mitchell Black, junior Alex Kasemir and junior Francis Goins. Junior training partners Mitch and Veer both ran impressive times in the 800m as well. Black ran 1:51.16 for the sixth and Bhalla took 16th in 1:53.28, respectively, with Black's time leading the way for DIII so far this season. Both teammates look forward to even improving their times further come championship season. Also at BU, freshman Drew DiMaiti ran a PR in the 400m, breaking the 50 sec barrier with a time 49.49.

With some solid performances both at home and at BU the Jumbos are ready to get back at it next weekend as the team will host the Tufts Cupid Invitational, the teams third home meet of the season.


Full Results