UCCTF Declare War on D1 Athletes at West Point Tune Up
The UConn Club Track Team made their longest journey of the year so far, competing at the West Point Tune Up against tough Division 1 competition. Despite it being a smaller group than usual, the level of performances from the UCCTF squad were unwavering.
It was a difficult meet for the throwers before they even got to the facility. The meet had capped the entries, meaning that only 16 athletes could compete. Although this barred some of our group, it was a testament to the quality at the top of the club that three athletes could compete.
Raymond Lara was up first in the show put, and he did not disappoint. The freshman threw an incredible personal record of 13.22 meters to finish 7th overall, which is also a new club record. Throwing chair Colton Lavoie must be quaking in his boots as his underclassmen challenge his supremacy.
Jacob O’Reilly also threw a personal record on the day in the weight throw, with a 13.22 meter personal record and club record. This was his first meet back for the squad, and hints at an exciting return to the throwing circle. Alex Gould was also in action, and learned a huge amount from competing with some stiff competition.
In the jumps, Ian Lizzano jumped 6.48 meters, which puts him in second place on the all-time standings for long jump. Eric Meade was also able to become second all-time for triple jump, as he managed a 13.08 meter effort. This continues a tradition of fantastic jumps performances at West Point, where UCCTF have routinely produced some fantastic results.
Not to be outdone, the track team also brought the heat at West Point. In the 60 meter hurdles, MJ Devivo ran a personal best time of 9.97 seconds, which was enough for her to make the final. Eric Meade also made the final in the hurdles with a 9.09 second clocking, which was all the more impressive as he was juggling triple jump, high jump, and the hurdles all at the same time.
In the flat 60 meters, UCCTF had two athletes in finals. Alanna Smith continued her consistent improvement as she increased her club record even further with an 8.10 second clocking. She also ran well in the 200 meters, finishing with a time of 26.86, earning her 2nd place. This almost matched her performance from Black Sheep last week, and the fact that it was on a flat track is all the more impressive. Kayla Smith also ran a personal record, as she ran a 27.02 to secure 4th place overall.
Nick Sivo was the other finalist in the 60 meters. A blistering 7.08 clocking in the final secured him as the second fastest UCCTF 60 meter runner of all time. As if this was not enough, he then proceeded to run a new club record of 22.60 in the 200 meters. As previously mentioned, this meet was on a flat track, meaning that Sivo could have even more in the tank as UCCTF travel to Harvard and The Armory in the coming weeks.
Overall, it was a meet that showcased the immense talent across the board, especially when put up against some serious Division 1 programs. Watch out for a larger contingent traveling to Harvard this weekend, where UCCTF will look to dominate once again in Cambridge, MA.
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