University of Massachusets Athletics
Due South, Minutemen Travel to A-10 Championships
May 04, 2011 | Men's Track & Field
May 4, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Looking to capture a conference title this weekend will be the men's track and field team as the Minutemen head to the Atlantic 10 Championships in Charlotte, N.C. UMass was able to finish fourth at last year's meet, which was hosted in Amherst, among a field of 11 conference squads. The start times for Saturday and Sunday are 9 am on both days.
Last Time Out
UMass dominated the field at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30), tallying a season high 195.5 points, while capturing 20 top five place finishes, including eight first place marks. The Minutemen added two IC4A Championship qualifiers (Duncan, Araujo), while notching two top five school all-time marks in the 110 meter hurdles and 3000 meter steeplechase.
Minutemen Ranked Nationally.
Currently, seniors Tyler Cotto and Sean Duncan are ranked nationally in the NCAA East Region in the 110 meter hurdles and 3000 meter steeplechase respectively. Both set new personal records at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30) in Amherst.
The Holliston, Mass. native, Cotto, ranks 55th in the East Region, with a time of 14.38. The time is also second best now in UMass history. Duncan, the Gardner, Mass. native, is the highest ranked Minuteman in any event in the NCAA East Region. He falls in at 21st best in the 3000 meter steeplechase with a personal career record of 8:55.12.
Other notables that are ranked below 50th for UMass are Kevin and David Johnson in the 10,000 meter run. David leads the way for the twin brothers in 61st with a season best time of 30:17.07, while Kevin falls right behind in 62nd with a time of 30:17.84. Both marks were set back at the Sam Howell Invitational (4/1).
Seniors Leading The Way
On a day when the 2011 senior class was honored prior to the day's proceedings, the UMass senior class led by example on the track and in the field. Tyler Cotto, Sean Duncan, Sean Busch, Daniel Barry, and Scott VanderMolen all produced for the Minutemen in impressive fashion. Three of the five took home the top spots in their events (Cotto: 110 meter hurdles, Duncan: 3000 meter steeplechase, Barry: 1500 meter run), while the other two raked in second place spots (Busch: pole vault, VanderMolen: 800 meter run). Cotto and Duncan also set top five all-time UMass marks with times of 14.38 and 8:55.12 in the 110 meter hurdles and 3000 meter steeplechase respectively. Duncan's time sits second best in the A-10, while Cotto's is third best.
The sextet of Kevin Johnson, David Johnson, Duncan, VanderMolen, Barry, and Busch all were senior stars at the Larry Ellis Invitational (4/22). The Johnson brothers qualified for the IC4A Championships in the 5000 meter run, while Duncan set a personal record (9:04.00) in the 3000 meter steeplechase. In the pole vault, Busch not only tied his personal and the second best school historical mark, but also added his name to the list of IC4A Championship qualifiers. Rounding out the senior success at Weaver Stadium was VanderMolen in the 800 meter run (1:54.70) and Barry in the 1500 meter run (3:49.49).
At the season's third meet, Kevin Spieler, Tyler Cotto, Busch, Patrick McAllister, Duncan, and VanderMolen all posted standout performances for the 2011 class. Spieler dominated the throwing events, in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw. Cotto, Busch, and McAllister all finished first in their respective events, posting solid marks in the 110 meter hurdles (14.42) , pole vault (14-3.25), and 5000 meter run (14:56.88, personal career record). Finally, Duncan and VanderMolen were a lethal duo as the former of the two was the top UMass placer in the 1500 meter run in third (4:00.18), while the latter placed second in the 800 meter run in 1:54.88.
Cotto, Daniel Barry, and Spieler all were fourth year standouts, placing in the top five of their respective events at the UMass Invitational (4/9). Cotto stole first place in the 110 IMH, Barry wrapped up a fourth place spot in the 800 meter run, and Spieler placed first, fifth, and second in the shot put, hammer throw, and discus throw respectively.
Seniors Spieler, Kevin Johnson, David Johnson, Cotto, and Duncan all provided leadership in the form of success in week one of the outdoor campaign. Four-of-five competitors qualified for the IC4A Championships in their respective events, while Spieler reached the UMass record books. Highlights of the five performances included Cotto stealing first in the 110 meter hurdles, D. Johnson placing third in the 10k, and Spieler setting the fifth best school mark (170-02), also his personal career best in the hammer throw.
Fresh Recruiting Class
For a second straight home meet, the freshman class were superb for Coach Ken O'Brien at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30). The duo of Aaron Araujo and Tom Mullen in the 400 meter hurdles and 800 meter run respectively, were lethal again, as both took home the top spots in their events for a second straight home meet. The former crossed the line at 53.74 in the hurdles, while Mullen set a time of 1:54.93 in the 800 meter run. Araujo's was good enough to qualify for the IC4A Championships, and ranks fifth best in the A-10 Conference.
Other freshman standouts on the UMass 9-Lane were Quinn Ryder and Ted Greene in the sprints, and Patrick McGowan and Jared Reddy in the 2 mile run. The North Easton, Mass. native, Ryder, took home second in the 100 meter dash (11.00) and sixth in the 200 meter event (22.95). Ted Greene also ran in the 200 meter dash, finishing with the same exact time as Ryder. McGowan and Reddy took home consecutive spots in the 2 mile (3200 meter) run, with times of 9:21.97 and 9:32.97. The duo took second and third.
Chris Greene and Araujo led the way for the freshman class at the Larry Ellis Invitational (4/22), as both set personal records in the 400 meter dash and 400 meter hurdles respectively. Araujo led UMass in the 400 IMH with a time of 53.99, while Greene finished the 400 dash in 50.37, good enough for 33rd overall.
Without any hesitation, the freshman portion of the UMass track and field squad paved the path to perfection at the Minuteman Invitational (4/16). Helping the team to a first place victory at the home meet, six freshman placed either first or second in their respective events. Tom Mullen and Aaron Araujo took the top spots in their events, as Mullen crossed the line at 1:54.06 in the 800 meter event, while Araujo ran the 400 meter hurdles in 54.59. Both were personal career highs.
Quinn Ryder, Chris Greene, and Ted Greene were all integral legs in the 4x100 meter relay, where the UMass quad placed first with a team time of 42.67. Ryder was also runner-up in the 100 meter dash, with a time of 11.25.
Freshman studs Patrick McGowan and Ryder led the way for the class of 2015 at the UMass Invitational (4/9). The former of the two placed second in the 1500 meter run by crossing the line at 3:58.09, while Ryder took home first in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.99, third in the 200 meter event in 22.83, and placed while running the last leg of a 4x100 meter relay team, with a team time of 42.43. Ryder's 100 meter dash time set at the Yellow Jacket Invitational, ranks third best in the conference currently.
Seven freshmen were in action between the Sam Howell (4/1) and Yellow Jacket Invitational s (4/2) for Ken O'Brien in week one. A series of solid performances from the 2015 class came in the 100 meter dash (Ryder, second place), 200 meter dash (T. Greene, fifth place), 400 meter dash (C. Greene, fourth place), 400 meter hurdles (Araujo, second place), 800 meter run (Mullen, second place), 1500 meter run (Antony Taylor, seventh place), and 5000 meter run (McGowan, 45th place).
The 2014 recruiting class carries the largest number of competitors in any class for the Minutemen. Four sprinters, five distance harriers, two mid-distance competitors, four jumpers, three throwers, and two hurdlers combine to produce a diverse group of student-athletes for the Minutemen.
Jumping To New Heights And Distances
Reaching new levels and distances of accomplishments at the final home meet of the season (4/30) were members of the jumping squad for UMass. Leading the way was Daniel Wu who participated in three events, placing in the top three spots in both all three. Wu started his success off with a first place spot in the long and triple jumps with marks of 22-10.50 and 44-4.75. His final event of the day was the high jump, where the junior Finance major placed third, reaching a height of 6-2.25.
Sean Busch and Zachary Koncki also posted solid performances at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet. The former of the two placed second in the pole vault, reaching a height of 15-3, while Koncki followed in the long jump with a jump of 22-0.75, good enough for third place. Of note, Busch was named the UMass Male Athlete of the Year by the Athletic Department on May 2, for his outstanding performances between the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
The trio of UMass leapers and jumpers were all in action for a second straight week at Princeton University (4/22). Busch led the way by tying his personal and the second best historical school height, by jumping 15-9 in the pole vault. Wu was the top UMass competitor in the long jump by reaching a distance of 23-4.50, good enough for fourth place. Busch's mark ranks as number one in the A-10 Conference, while Wu's ranks number two through the weekend of April 30. Koncki followed both Busch and Wu, but this week in the 110 meter hurdles, where he was the top UMass finisher in 22nd overall with a time of 15.43.
All three of Coach David Jackson's outstanding jumpers placed first in their respective events at the Minuteman Invitational (4/16). Following a featured article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Zachary Koncki made his first spring appearance on the UMass 9-Lane on April 16. The junior jumped a distance of 23 feet, good enough to win the long jump while setting the fourth best season conference mark thus far in 2011. Sean Busch and Daniel Wu also placed in the top spots in their respective events. The former reached a height of 14-3.25 in the pole vault, while Wu leaped to a mark of 44-9.50 in the triple jump.
In an off week for Busch and Koncki, Wu stepped his game up once again for the jumping portion of the track and field squad. The junior leaped a distance of 23-2.50, stealing first place in the long jump. His mark sits second best in the Atlantic 10 Conference through the weekend of April 30.
In week one, Wu and Busch were in action for the jumping portion of the UMass track and field squad. Wu placed third in the long jump at American International College (4/2) with a mark of 21-4, while Busch jumped to a height of 14-5.25, placing second in the event.
The jumping portion of the men's track and field team has been one of the strongest points for coach O'Brien's over the past few seasons. This year's core leaders in the jumps include Zachary Koncki, Daniel Wu, and Sean Busch.
IC4A Qualified Minutemen
Two Minutemen added their names to the IC4A Championships qualifying list at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30). Sean Duncan set a new personal record in the 3000 meter steeplechase of 8:55.12, while Aaron Araujo stole the top spot in the 400 IMH with a time of 53.74. Both competitors are set to compete at the IC4A Meet in just about a week.
At the Larry Ellis Invitational (4/22), Ken O'Brien's squad added four IC4A Championship qualifiers in the forms of Kevin Johnson, David Johnson, Daniel Wu, and Sean Busch. The Johnsons' sting of luck came in the 5K, while Busch qualified in his main event, the pole vault, while tying the second best height in school history in the event (15-9). Wu jumped a distance of 23-4.50 in the long jump, good enough to qualify for the IC4A Meet.
The 4x100 quad of Chris Greene, Ted Greene, Quinn Ryder, and Tyler Cotto won the event at the UMass Invitational (4/9), with a team time of 42.43. All four are now qualified in the event for the IC4A Championships. The time currently ranks fifth best in the A-10.
In week one, UMass added five IC4A qualifiers between Friday's Sam Howell Invitational (4/1) and Saturday's Yellow Jacket Invitational (4/2). Adding their names to the list for competition later this season were Tyler Cotto (110 meter hurdles), Kevin and David Johnson (10,000 meter run), Quinn Ryder (100 meter dash), and Sean Duncan (3000 meter steeplechase).
Twin Pairings, Fresh And Seasoned
The only Greene or Johnson in action at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30) was Ted Greene in the 200 meter dash and 4x100 meter relay. Ted clocked in at 22.95 in the sprinting event, stealing fifth place. In the relay, the Norwell, Mass. native ran the third leg of the race, helping the team to finish in 42.51.
Brothers Kevin and David Johnson were back in action this past Friday at the Larry Ellis Invitational (4/22) in the 5000 meter run. Both qualified for the IC4A Championships in the event, finishing in 14:35.95 and 14:39.35 respectively, while placing 47th and 48th. For the Greene brothers, only Chris was in action; however, he was able to record a new personal record in the 400 meter dash (50.37).
Chris and Ted Greene were in action at the Minuteman Invitational (4/16), as the twin brothers helped the UMass 4x100 meter relay team to a first place victory with a team time of 42.67. This marked the second consecutive week in which the two brothers have aided UMass in the 4x100 event, and both times the Amherst quad placed first in the event. The Johnson brothers are expected to hit the track once again this weekend at the Larry Ellis Invitational.
At the UMass Invitational (4/9), the Johnson twins were not in action; however the Greene brothers were as present as ever. Chris was alone in the 200 meter dash, placing fifth 23.03. Both Greene twins ran the 400 meter dash, as Chris led the duo in 50.50, placing seventh, while Ted followed in ninth in 50.67. Rounding out the day, the Greene brothers were part of a 4x100 meter relay team in addition to Quinn Ryder and Tyler Cotto, which placed first in the event in 42.43, while also qualifying for the IC4A Championships and setting the fifth best A-10 Conference season time in the event.
At the Yellow Jacket Invitational (4/2) both Kevin and David set personal records in the 10,000 meter run as David crossed the line at 30:17.07 taking third place, while Kevin followed in fifth with a time of 30:17.84. Both times rank as second and third best in the A-10 thus far this season. Ted and Chris also ran at the same meet, as the former of the twins placed fifth in the 200 meter dash with a time of 23.07, while Chris crossed the line at 50.39 in the 400 meter dash, placing fourth.
2011 brings a pair of freshman and senior twins for the Minutemen in the forms of Ted and Chris Greene and Kevin and David Johnson. Throughout their tenures at UMass the Johnsons have been nothing short of outstanding on the cross country and track and field ends. Kevin was tabbed an Academic All-American in 2009-2010, and the brothers were UMass' top two harriers this fall for cross country. The Greene duo established them firmly on the UMass scene with a solid indoor season as both qualified for the New England Championships. The twin pair will look to carry their momentum into the spring campaign.
Spieler And McKenna Make Daring Duo
Spieler and McKenna were back at in again at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30). The duo's top finishes came in the hammer throw where Spieler took fourth with a mark of 160-09, while McKenna followed in eighth with a throw of 147-05.
At the Minuteman Invitational (4/16), Spieler placed second in the shot put, third in the hammer throw, and fifth in the discus with marks of 49-2.25, 162-01, and 135-06. McKenna on the other hand was neck n' neck with his teammate in the hammer and discus, placing fifth in the former with a mark of 160-06 and fourth in the latter by throwing a distance of 137-05. Both seniors continue to stay ahead of the pack for UMass in the throwing events. Currently, Spieler and McKenna rank fifth and sixth respectively in the A-10 in the discus throw, sixth and eighth in the hammer throw, and Spieler ranks fifth in the shot put.
Senior Kevin Spieler and junior David McKenna have stepped up their game in 2011, like never before. Already Spieler has set personal career marks in the hammer throw and discus, while McKenna has done the same in the hammer throw.
Revamped Relay Squads
At the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30), the quad of Aaron Araujo, Evan Donadt, Joe Doyle, and Paul Grafov set a new team season best time in the 4x400 meter relay event. The quad combined for a time of 3:22.45, good enough for fourth place overall.
Raking in a first and second place victory a piece at the Minuteman Invitational (4/16), the outstanding UMass relay quads were ahead of the pack once again. In the 4x100 event, the foursome of Tyler Cotto, Chris Greene, Ted Greene, and Quinn Ryder placed first in the event for a second straight week, as Ryder ran the final leg and crossed the line at 42.67. Wrapping up the day with the final event for the men was the 4x400 team comprised of Michael McDonough, Grafov, Zachary Hildenbrandt, and Nick Otis. Combining for a team time of 3:24.19, the UMass gents placed second in the event.
The 4x100 relay event brought luck to the Minutemen once again in week two. At the UMass Invitational the quad of Chris and Ted Greene, Cotto, and freshman Ryder all combined for a time of 42.43, placing first while also qualifying for the IC4A Championships. Additionally a 4x400 team comprised of McDonough, Hildenbrandt, Grafov, and Tom Mullen placed third in their event, with a final time of 3:24.29.
Week one brought a 4x100 meter relay team to the scene comprised of C. Greene, T. Greene, Conor Megee, and Ryder. The quad, which included three freshman, placed second in the event with a team time of 43.25.
Multis In Action
Continuing to prepare for the A-10 decathlon event, Conor Megee, Mark Hewitt, and Chris Dzidek all participated in various events at the UMass Pre-Conference Meet (4/30). Megee posted a solid finish in the 110 meter hurdles, by placing sixth and crossing the line at 15.79, a personal season best. Hewitt took home fifth in the high jump, reaching a height of 6-0.50, while one of Dzidek's best performances of the day came in the pole vault where he took seventh place with a mark of 13-9.25.
Although there was no decathlon at the Minuteman Invitational (4/16), multis, Hewitt, Megee, and Dzidek were all present in a string of various events at the home meet. Hewitt was able to grab fourth in the long jump with a leap of 20-0.50, while one of Megee's top performances of the day came in the 200 meter dash with a fifth place finish in 23.32. Dzidek also posted a solid mark in the pole vault reaching a height of 13-3.50, good enough for third place.
The multis for Ken O'Brien's squad saw the first decathlon action of the 2011 campaign at the Husky Decathlon Invitational. Coach David Jackson brought the trio of Conor Megee, Chris Dzidek, and Mark Hewitt to UConn to compete in the two day event. Leading the way for UMass was Mark Hewitt who placed sixth overall with 5736 points. Following him were Megee and Dzidek in tenth and 11th respectively.
Get Your UMass Invitational DVD Now!
The UMass Invitational was the first ever UMass track and field home meet broadcast on television. You can still catch the action if you missed the airing, by purchasing a DVD copy of the production for only $9.99. Be sure to put in your order now!
A Trifecta Of Home Cookin'
At the season's final home meet, the Minutemen came out firing, tallying 195.5 points, while beating out five other squads. UMass' closest competitor was Dartmouth who was 42.5 points away from UMass. Ken O'Brien saw his team take home eight first place finishes, add two IC4A qualifiers, and set two top-five all-time school marks. Without a doubt, the home meets were a true success for UMass this spring.
UMass returns home for the final time in 2011, this weekend for the UMass Pre-Conference Meet. Action commences promptly at 11:30 am at the UMass Track and Field Complex. The competition for the Minutemen will include Vermont, Dartmouth, UNH, Hartford, and UConn.
The Minutemen finally proved why they love competing at home at the Minuteman Invitational (4/16). UMass was able to capture the top spot in a field of eight teams, beating out the likes of Central Connecticut State (2nd), Stonehill (3rd), Westfield State (4th), AIC (5th), Keene State (6th), Holy Cross (7th), and Amherst College (8th). The Minutemen returns to the UMass Track and Field Complex on April 30, for the UMass Pre-Conference Meet.
In the first-of-three meets in Amherst, UMass placed third in a field of seven squads, tallying 133 points. 13 Minutemen placed in the top three spots of their respective events.
This outdoor track and field season provides three opportunities out of seven meets, which will be hosted at home in Amherst. The Minutemen have fared quite well on the UMass nine lane facility, posting a second and fourth place finish at last year's UMass Invitational and A-10 Championships respectively.
Diversity At The Helm
Entering year number 43 as the head coach of the men's track and field team, Ken O'Brien will look to add a 20th A-10 Title (19 previously between the Yankee and A-10 Conferences) to his trophy shelf. Joining the veteran leader will be David Jackson and Darcy Wilson, both in their second seasons as assistant coaches, along with first year volunteer assistants, Jose Genao and Elaina Zizza.
Since bringing in Jackson and Wilson last year, the track program has been on a surge with the addition of seven A-10 Champions, four New England Champions, and a school record breaking performance in the indoor pole vault for Sean Busch. Jackson will continue his work with the jumpers and multis as Wilson will mainly focus on the throwers.
Genao comes to join the UMass staff as a graduate student working towards his masters in Sport Management. As a four year track athlete for the University of Notre Dame, Genao was a stand-out in the sprints events. Some highlights of the New York native's career include qualifying for the Big East Conference Indoor T&F Championships as a freshman, junior, and senior. As an outdoor competitor Genao's outstanding performances allowed him to qualify for the Big East Championships as a freshman and senior. While coaching at the high school level, Genao lead the team's senior hurler to the 2nd fastest times in school history in the 55m, 110m, and 400m hurdles. Genao also helped the same athlete to win a league title in the 55m hurdles and a county title in the 400m hurdles.
Rounding out the quad of coaches is student volunteer assistant Elaina Zizza. Competing as a Minutewoman from 2007-2009, Zizza was a multi-event indoor and outdoor track & field athlete. During her sophomore campaign, Zizza ran in the 100 meter hurdles, 800 meter run, 60 meter hurdles, long jump, and competed in the heptathlon between the indoor and outdoor seasons. She is currently Level 1 certified as a USA Track and Field Coach.
