University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Sorlein Invitational
Koncki Leaps Far In M. Track's Season Opener
January 14, 2012 | Men's Track & Field
Jan. 14, 2012
NORTH KINGSTON, R.I. - It was the season opener for the UMass men's track and field team at the Sorlein Invitational in Rhode Island on Saturday. The meet was not scored by team, but if it had been, UMass would have been right in the mix for a top-three team finish. Zachary Koncki highlighted the indoor action at URI, while several new faces made their cases as strong additions to the Minutemen's squad moving forward this winter.
Returning from the 2011 indoor campaign as the reigning A-10 and New England indoor long jump Champion, Koncki wasted no time in continuing to push forward towards the school record at UMass. The Northampton, Mass. native claimed second in the long jump on Saturday while qualifying for both the New England and IC4A Championships in just week one. The mark of 23-1.75, sits just short of Koncki's career personal record, 23-6.25, also the third best mark in school history.
The UMass senior additionally qualified for the New England Championships in the 60 meter hurdles by crossing the line at 8.39 in the preliminaries of the event, while placing second.
Another senior jumper got out to a quick start on Saturday as Daniel Wu registered a mark of 22-7.75 in the long jump, taking home fifth place and a New England Championships qualifying mark. The versatile Wu also competed in the triple jump and 60 meter dash. Stephen Bigelow was the final New England Championship qualifier on Saturday as the sophomore clocked in at 8.32 in the 60 meter hurdle finals, claiming second place in the event while setting a new personal record in the event. Coming into this winter, Bigelow had yet to see consistent action during the indoor season.
A fresh face for the Minutemen in the field was first year Gregory Copeland who vaulted to a height of 14-3.25 in the pole vault, claiming third overall. Coupling new energy with veteran strength, the proven Tom Mullen was solid in the 1000 meter run, registering a time of 2:33.33 while placing second in the event.
Wrapping up action on Saturday was the 4x400 meter relay team comprised of Aaron Araujo, Evan Donadt, Paul Grafov, and Chris Greene along with Antony Taylor in the mile run. The former of the two earned a time of 3:27.55 in the team relay event, while notching a first place finish. The sophomore harrier, Taylor, recorded a mark of 4:24.04 in his event while placing second and setting a new personal record.
UMass next hits the track on Jan. 20 at the Great Dane Invitational in Albany, N.Y.
