Stellar Performances Despite Cold Weather In NH

(4/22/2006) See more Photos     Full Results

The Jumbos traveled to Hanover, NH for the Dartmouth Invitational anticipating Good competition and fair weather. Only the former greeted the Tufts athletes during the competition.

The Dartmouth Invitational marked the conclusion of two Tufts Seniors. Steve Leibowitz closed out his collegiate career competing in the 5K. During his time with the team, Steve has been a diligent worker and a great example for the younger athletes. Also competing in his last meet was Lionel Yarmon. In his last college meet, Lionel threw a PR in the Javelin.

Despite the cold New Hampshire weather, the Tufts sprinters ran to numerous season best times. Running with huge tailwinds at their backs, Colin Fitzgerald and Mickey Ferri placed 7th and 8th respectively with times of 11.37 and 11.44. Freshman Phil Rotella had an exceptional day on the Track. He ran the 100 in 11.48 and led all the Tufts 200 runners with a fast time of 23.08. Junior Nate Cleveland ran the 200 as a speed workout today. He finished in a great time of 23.78--he also ran without the use of starting blocks. Nate also ran the fastest 400 time of the day for Tufts (51.36). Not too far behind was fellow junior Dustin Virgilio.

Some of the most exciting races of the day came in the 800 meter race. Kyle Doran stepped to the line in hopes of finishing the race under two minutes. Things were not looking good when Kyle came through the first quarter mile in 62 seconds, but the senior turned on the jets and came back in 57 seconds to finish in 1:59.73. In the following heat, usual 400 runners James Bradley and Nate Scott took the line. Gutsy races by both athletes resulted in their 1-2 finish. Bradley crossed the finish in an amazing 2:01.01 while Nate immediately followed in 2:01.59.

The Jumbos ran well in both hurdle races. Jamil Ludd led the high hurdle contingent with a time of 16.15. Junior Dave McCleary ran to a PR in a time of 16.30. Senior Trevor Williams ran his first 400 Hurdle race since last spring. He finished second overall in a time of 56.81.

In the 4x1 relay, Trevor Williams took the place of absent Fred Jones in the leadoff position. He, Phil Rotella, Colin Fitzgerald and Mickey Ferri got the baton around the track in 43.69--a season's best. The 4x4 relay squad also raced to a season's best time. Nate Cleveland, Dustin Virgilio, Colin and Trevor placed third with a time of 3:23.31.

While the Dartmouth Invitational was the final meet for some athletes, it was also the first for Junior Dave Igbalajobi. Dave has been itching to finally throw the Javelin in competition for quite some time now. In his first opportunity, he threw 152-03 to qualify for the NESCAC championships next weekend. Jason Galvin earned one of two victories for Tufts. Galvin threw a PR in the hammer throw to improve in standing on the National's list.

Due to the constraints of the outdoor facility, the pole vault was contested indoors. All three Tufts vaulters had solid showing in the event. Senior Tim Bassell cleared 13-6.5. Rob Lorie qualified for Division III New England?s with a 13 foot clearance. Kenny Kang also performed well, narrowly bettering his PR with a 12-00.75 clearance. Kenny also jumped to a season's best in the long jump. His mark of 6.35 qualifies him for Div III New England's and ECAC's. Sophomore Dan Marcy earned his first collegiate victory in the triple jump. His mark of the 13.69 meters was also a season's best.

The Dartmouth Invitational was the last regular season meet of the 2006 outdoor season. Next weekend, the Jumbos will make the trek to Bowdoin College to contest for the NESCAC championship.



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