University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Sparks Sorlein Invitational
Cotto Leads Track To Runner-Up Finish In Opening Meet
January 15, 2011 | Men's Track & Field
Jan. 15, 2011
KINGSTON, R.I. - The UMass men's indoor track and field team opened the 2011 campaign on Saturday afternoon in Kingston, R.I. at the Sparks Sorlein Invitational. Ken O'Brien's squad finished second amongst six squads, only being beat out by host URI who scored 276.50, compared to UMass' 117.50. UMass will return to the URI indoor track and field facility on February 18th for the A-10 Championships.
Senior standout Tyler Cotto led the way in the Ocean State on Saturday afternoon, as the hurdler qualified for both the New England and IC4A Championships in just the first meet of the season in the 55 meter hurdles. Cotto's mark of 7.53 was good enough for first place and ten points for UMass. Zachary Koncki and Evan Donadt also competed in the 55 meter hurdles, as the duo finished third and fifth respectively in 8.01 and 8.22.
Another senior showed up in impressive fashion for the Minutemen as Scott VanderMolen captured first in the mile run with a time of 4:23.31. Also competing in the event was freshman hopeful from the cross country team, Patrick McGowan, who placed just two spots behind VanderMolen in 4:29.60.
Distance harrier Sean Duncan made his first appearance of the academic year in competition for UMass as he finished runner-up in the 1,000 meter run, crossing the line at 2:34.57. Sophomore Paul Grafov also made some heads turn with a fourth place finish in the 400 meter dash in 51.76, good enough for five team points.
In the field events Zachary Koncki and Sean Busch provided visible marks in the long jump and pole vault respectively. Koncki was crowned the top spot with a leap of 22-4.25, while Busch reached a height of 14-9, good enough for third place.
The Minutemen will return to action next weekend as the squad heads to the Empire State for the Great Dane Invitational, slated to begin at 12:30 pm.
