2008 Woodie Awards
URI men's track makes statement at Mega Meet
Brett McDermott
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Sports
|
Rhody's final point total of 271.50 was well ahead of second place University of New Hampshire, which finished with 144.50. The University of Massachusetts, Bryant University and Quinnipiac University finished in third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Junior Michael Bland took first-place honors in the 55-meter dash with a time of 6.38 seconds. URI then managed to take seven out of the top 10 places in the 200-meter dash, with freshman David Kennedy claiming first place with a time of 22.59 seconds. Kennedy added to his impressive freshman campaign when his mark of 50.27 seconds was enough in the 400-meter dash to claim another first-place finish.
Junior Kimly May, who finished sixth in the 200-meter dash, said the Rams were off to a promising start this year.
"We definitely lost some strong seniors last year, but we are getting faster, better and stronger every meet," he said.
Junior Ryan Karwiel was a bit disappointed with his time of 4.22 seconds despite a seventh place finish in the one-mile run.
"I wanted 4.21 but got boxed in with about 600 meters to go," he said. "There is still time though, I'll be ready for the men's distance medley."
And he was.
With Karwiel's help, URI was able to grab a second-place finish in the medley with a final time of 10.55.85.
Another freshman also made his presence felt in the 500-meter run when Manuel Richards grabbed second place with a time of 1:07:44.
Sophomore Kurt Henning, who finished fourth, was pleased with the day.
"I was happy with our team's result," he said. "It was the first time I had run the race all year and I just tried to get out quick and run with the front pack."
Rhody kept the ball rolling by taking the top two spots in the 55-meter hurdles when Yudehwheh Gbaa took first with 7.65 seconds. Alex Reid was right behind him with 7.77 seconds. Gbaa wasn't finished there, as he won the men's triple jump for URI as well.
The Rams then took first place honors in high jump, pole vault and long jump.
The men's throwers also continued their dominant start to the season. Ryan McCarthy finished as the top dog in shot put with his final heave of 16.61 meters. Michael Bernardo's throw of 17.8 meters was enough to grant him first place honors in weight throw.
Gregory Borrelli, who ended the meet with a strong fourth-place finish in both events, commended his teammates.
"Our throws have been strong this year and we are proud to have the best throwers in the A-10," he said.
Head coach John Copeland was all smiles after the meet.
"We are very pleased with today's effort, but I still don't think we have hit full stride yet," he said.
The Rams will continue to gear up for the A-10 championships when they head to Boston Friday to compete in the Valentine's Classic.