University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Valentine Invitational
Huge Finish For Men's Track At Valentine Invite
February 12, 2011 | Men's Track & Field
Feb. 12, 2011
BOSTON, Mass. - The UMass track and field coaching staff can be nothing short of satisfied following the Valentine Invitational finish on Saturday. Ken O'Brien's squad added 17 qualifiers combined for the New England and IC4A Championships, by far the most in any meet thus far this season. Also, one top-five historical mark was set in the men's weight throw. The meet was not scored by teams.
Throwing his way to an amazing day at Boston University was senior star Kevin Spieler in the weight throw. The Attleboro, Mass. native set a mark of 55-7.75, placing eighth while qualifying for the IC4A Championships in the event. The mark is also now the third best all-time in Massachusetts history.
Zachary Koncki was crowned the top spot in the long jump with a personal and team season best mark of 23-0.75. The mark qualifies the sophomore for the IC4A Championships, as previously he qualified for the New England Meet on January 21st.
A freshman and senior duo comprised of Patrick McGowan and Daniel Barry struck gold in the 3000 meter run. The duo finished with times of 8:25.24 and 8:25.56, good enough for 34th and 36th overall. The luck came with both competitors qualifying for the New England and IC4A Championships in the event. Sean Duncan placed 40th after McGowan and Barry, in 8:27.25, while qualifying for the New England Championships.
Sophomore studs Paul Grafov and Joe Doyle stood out in the 500 meter and 800 meter runs respectively. The former finished in 1:04.82 taking fourth, while the latter of the two placed 22nd with a time of 1:53.87. Both qualified for the New England and IC4A Championships.
A new set of twins finally made their faces known for the Minutemen on Saturday as Ted and Chris Greene placed 45th and 65th in the 400 meter run at the highly competitive meet. Ted crossed the line at 49.81, while Chris finished in 50.49. The brothers' times were both good enough to qualify for the New England Championships. Ted also made noise in the 200 meter dash, placing 33rd in 22.54, a time good enough for the New England Championship qualification marks.
The always strong Tyler Cotto placed second in the 60 meter hurdles in 8.06, stealing second place. Koncki also competed in the same event, crossing the line at 8.49 while taking ninth and qualifying for the New England Championships. Sophomore Evan Donadt raced to the finish line in 8.49, a mark good enough to qualify for the New Englands in the 60 meter hurdles as well.
Freshman phenom Quinn Ryder ran in the 60 meter dash at Boston University and placed sixth overall in 7.03 while surpassing the qualifying mark for the New England Championships. Also qualifying for the New Englands was a 4x400 meter relay team comprised of Aaron Araujo, Evan Donadt, Paul Grafov, and Chris Greene. The quad placed 21st in the highly touted event in 3:21.18.
Nick Otis also added his name to the list of New England Championship qualifiers in the 500 meter run. Tom Mullen was an additional qualifier as a freshman in the 800 meter run with a time of 1:55.64, good enough for the NE Championships.
Rounding out the strong performances on Saturday was none other than UMass Athlete of the Week this past week in the form of Sean Busch. The senior jumper placed third in the pole vault with a height of 15. He is already New England and IC4A Championships qualified in the event.
The men's track and field team returns to action for the heavily anticipated Atlantic 10 Championships on February 18th at 9:30 am.
