University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Valentine Invitational
Solid Showing For MT&F At Boston University
February 12, 2012 | Men's Track & Field
Feb. 12, 2012
BOSTON, Mass. - With just a week to go before the A-10 Conference Meet, the UMass indoor men's track and field team used the Valentine Invitational to their advantage in preparation for next weekend. UMass added two IC4A qualifiers, and three New England Championship qualifiers. The meet, being the first-of-three trips to the state's capital this season, was not scored by team.
Ahead of the pack in the 400 meter dash were Aaron Araujo (New Bedford, Mass.) and Paul Grafov (North Dartmouth, Mass.). Araujo was able to notch a career-best readout of 48.89 (19th) and qualify for the IC4A Championships. Grafov crossed the line at 49.60 (37th), also setting a new personal record and pushing his name onto the list of NEC qualifiers.
It was the fine showing by Thomas Mullen (Bridgewater, Mass.) that stood out for UMass in the 800 meter run on Saturday. The sophomore mid-distance competitor recorded a mark of 1:53.14, which signaled a career-best time and one good enough to qualify for both the New England and IC4A Championships. Mullen placed 24th in the event and is now qualified for the NEC's in both the mile and 800 meter runs.
Reeling in a speedy performance in the relay events was the quad comprised of Araujo, Evan Donadt (Northborough, Mass.), Michael McDonough (Woburn, Mass.), and Paul Grafov. The UMass unit registered a time of 3:20.25, marking the best team season time thus far in 2012. Additionally, the foursome qualified for the New England Championships while placing 20th overall.
Rounding out the day's action at Boston University were Zachary Koncki (Northampton, Mass.) and Stephen Bigelow (Winchester, Mass.) in the 60 IMH. The former rolled to a time of 8.37 while taking home eighth, as the latter was just behind in ninth delivering a time of 8.49. Koncki also competed in the men's long jump, where he reeled in a leap of 23-2.50, good enough for third.
The Minutemen will be preparing for the all-important Atlantic 10 Championships slated for this Friday and Saturday in Rhode Island.
