After over a month has passed since UCCTF last competed, all eyes are on the GBTC meet this weekend. Despite a slightly smaller contingent traveling down to Boston, there will still be a huge amount of talent on show throughout the day.
Over winter break, President Joe Rychwalski put his money where his mouth was, running a stellar 7.15s in South Dakota. He will not feature in the 60m this weekend, but keep an eye out for him in the 200m later in the day.
One of the most exciting performances to come this weekend will come from Nick Sivo in the 200m. Following an incredible 34.96 in the 300m December, he will be looking to see whether Ian Lizzano’s record will be short-lived.
Double club-record holder Alanna Smith will be looking to improve on her previous efforts to further cement her supremacy in the UCCTF sprint squad. MJ Devivo will be one of the athletes chasing her down in the 200m after running a time at BU that bested the previous club record. Ava Buckmir will also return after time out due to injury last month. This women’s 200m in particular will certainly be one to watch, with bragging rights and club records on the line for every athlete competing.
In the field, Tyler Doiron stamped his authority on this winter season at BU. His club records in the High Jump and Triple Jump were mightily impressive, but I still believe he has much more in the tank this weekend, and for the season ahead. The return of Tosin Gbotosho will also be much anticipated in the Triple Jump, as he tries to translate his monster deadlift into performances on the track.
In the throws, the fact that there are 15 entries for UCCTF in the shot put speaks volumes about the depth in this club. The tight-knit group will all be looking for personal bests, and hopefully some club records along the way. Record-holder Clarissa Nock will look to be one of these athletes pushing towards the top of the pile after a solid performance in December.
Across the board, UCCTF will be pushing the boundaries of what a club track team can achieve. This group proved that they were not out of place with some solid schools in December, so expect some dominant performances this weekend.
2023 is the year of UCONN Club Track and Field.
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Oscar Frost
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