Standout individual performances propelled the Massachusetts men’s track and field team last weekend at the Larry Ellis Invitational.
In UMass’ second trip to Weaver Stadium this season, UMass coach Ken O’Brien saw a runner and pole-vaulter qualify for the IC4A Championship, the latter of the two landing a top-five school mark. Additionally, three underclassmen set personal records, all in 400-meter events.
The two qualifiers for O’Brien’s squad bring the team total to 10 competitors for the IC4A Championship that will take place the weekend of May 13 in Princeton, N.J.
The Larry Ellis Invitational encompasses a large number of athletes, including a field of more than 25 schools from across the Northeast.
Day one had UMass athletes competing in four events: the steeplechase, 5K, 800 meter and 1500 meter runs. IC4A-qualified distance runner Sean Duncan set a personal record in 3000 meter steeplechase finishing with a mark of 9:04.00, good for 11th overall.
Senior Scott VanderMolen participated in the 800 meter run, crossing the line in 58th with a time of 1:54.70, while sophomore teammate Joe Doyle pushed through a crowded field to finish 84th under two seconds later.
The senior twin tandem of Kevin and David Johnson came back strong after a two-week break, competing in the 5000 meter run and finishing one after the other. Kevin edged out his brother by .44 of a second at 47th with a mark of 14:34.95. Both times qualified the brothers for the IC4A Championship, the second time this season they have qualified for the same event.
Day two saw more competitors and events in the no team score invitational for UMass. Sean Busch, the A-10 indoor pole vault champion, had a day to remember Saturday afternoon as he cemented his name among some of the best pole-vaulters in the Northeast. With one jump, the senior not only tied his own personal record and qualified for the IC4A, but also matched the second best mark in school history.
Sophomore transfer Paul Grafov and freshmen Chris Greene and Aaron Araujo all found success as each set personal records in races of a 400 meter distance. Grafov and Greene competed in the 400 meter dash, with the former finishing 16th with a mark of 49.42,and the latter finishing 33rd with a time of 50.37. Araujo just missed the boat on a chance at the IC4A, coming within .15 of the qualifying mark at 53.99, good for 10th in the 400-meter hurdle.
Jumper Daniel Wu one-upped his track record in the long jump with a qualifying mark of 23-4.50. Fellow jumper and Northampton, Mass. native Zachary Koncki placed 22nd in the 100IMH event. Freshman Quinn Ryder finished 19th in the 100 meter dash.
Sophomore Evan Donadt participated in the 400 meter hurdles, placing 15th overall with a mark 54.78.
Before the A-10’s commence on May 6th, the Minutemen will return to action this Saturday as they compete in their final home meet, the UMass Pre-Conference Meet. After finishing first at the UMass Invitational earlier this spring season, the track and field team will look to build on their home success and add more IC4A Championship qualifiers. The weekend’s events are scheduled to begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. with a special ceremony planned for graduating seniors.
Matt Strong can be reached at [email protected].
