UConn Club Track and Field has long supported athletes looking for extra competition outside of the prescribed team schedule. This past weekend, four of our men’s athletes attended the UMASS Lowell Riverhawk Invitational, hosted at “The TRACK” at New Balance Boston. Hosting teams from all across the Northeast, it was one of the most competitive NCAA meets of the weekend. The combination of stellar competition and a top-notch facility ensured the club’s athletes were well positioned to put up excellent performances.
Bennett Labree, the sole field athlete in attendance, started the day off in fine fashion in the Pole Vault. Having suffered an unfortunate injury back in December, the men’s club record holder managed to rebound with a 4.15m vault, mere inches off his all time best. Working with a new pole, limited facility access, and only just regaining his sprinting shape, this was a dominant season debut for the sophomore. He made plenty of high-flying friends along the way too.
Nikolai James, the fleet footed freshman, took on the challenging 400/200 double in fine fashion. In the 400m, he faced down some serious opposition in the second heat from Georgetown’s best quarter-milers, holding his nerve to secure a 51.47 clocking. Later in the day, he closed well in the 200m to get the club’s third all time mark, running 22.91. Already a formidable athlete in January, as the months progress we are certain to witness further impressive times.
Senior and team President Joseph Rychwalski returned to familiar territory, running the 60m and 200m. His 7.28 run in the first race was well off his personal best, but there were promising signs from his reaction time and initial projection. He subsequently attained an indoor personal best in the 200m, navigating the banks well to run 23.00. Such progression towards his outdoor best of 22.87 bodes well for the weeks and months ahead.
Long established as NIRCA leaders in the 400m, UConn Club Track has gotten an incredible boost in the event from the return of Nicholas Sivo. He showcased incredible speed endurance clawing back from behind to place second in his heat, setting a club indoor 400m record of 50.47 in the process. Nursing some hamstring pain and taking a cautious opening 200m, Sivo is just beginning to harness his potential.
UCONN will be returning to action in full on February 11th, at the same facility for the Black Sheep Invitational. These performances make it clear that great things are in store come next month.
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