At the Haverford College Invitational on Sunday, the College's men's and women's indoor track and field teams soundly beat Haverford on its own turf.
While it seemed that the Lions had a flawless win, head coach Eric Mobley said the day "there is a perfect track meet is the day I'm not coaching any more."
Everyone cannot always have a great day. For example, in relays someone won't run a leg as fast as they normally do, and the other three will usually pick up their own time to help the team out. This team works as a unit, some leading by example, some helping guide the younger competitors.
The standout performance of the day was by junior Brittny Boyd, who won three events. Boyd claimed first place in the 55-meter dash in 7.35 seconds, the 200-meter dash in 25.75 and the long jump with a leap of 5.57 meters, earning her an NCAA provisional qualifying mark.
The women placed first in the 4 x 200 relay with a time of 1:51.20, recorded by sophomore Khristelle Manuyag, junior Erika Huggler and freshmen Jessica Bonelli and Savannah Creamer.
Freshman Carolyn Gray finished first in the 400-meter dash in 60.38 seconds and posted a 26.99 time in the 200-meter dash for second place. Junior Tiffany Clark came in behind her in the 400-meter dash at 60.41 seconds.
Sophomore Elyse Mitchell also grabbed first place in the pole vault with 2.89 meters.
The College's men's team also tallied some significant achievements at Haverford. The distance medley composed of senior Bill Vogel, junior Kevin Jones, junior Jeff Zodda and senior Matt Molski posted an NCAA provisional time by winning the race in 10:12.9.
Junior Karim Cockrell won the 60-meter dash in 6.5 seconds, another NCAA provisional time. Cockrell finished second in the 200-meter dash in 32.00 seconds behind Jones, who won in 22.89 seconds. Senior Tim Wilson took first in the 400-meter dash in 51.36 seconds.
The Lions swept the shot put, with junior Schwerdtman finishing first with a toss of 15.56 meters, followed by junior Chris Tranchina at 14.64 meters and freshman Brian Donatelli at 14.08 meters.
Senior Ed Marion captured first in the high jump with a 6.2-meter leap and freshman Marquis Mitchell took second with another 6.2-meter jump.
Mobley stressed that he avoids changing strategy regardless of which team the Lions are facing. Since the type of athlete you might compete against is never known in advance, it is wisest to concentrate on individual efforts. He said he focuses on the technique of the runners, such as foot and arm position, while running.
The whole team is excited about the dual meet on Feb. 6 against Rider at Lawrenceville School. With the three NCAA provisional marks gained in the Haverford meet, Mobley is very optimistic about the NCAA Division III National Championships coming up.
