The College's track and field team competed in two meets over the weekend, the Princeton and Widener University invitationals. The team managed to notch a total of five NCAA provisional performances and eight ECAC qualifying times.
Freshman Stephanie Herrickimproved upon her NCAA provisional mark in the 800-meter with a time of 2:13.38. Herrick said that improving upon a personal best is not only an accomplishment, but also part of a process of learning to race and building confidence.
"There were moments in the race where I hesitated a little," Herrick said. "Every race is a chance to go faster."
Seconds behind Herrick in the 800 was her teammate, junior Angela Tecco, who also improved upon her NCAA qualifying time, grabbing a mark of 2:14.87.
"I don't care if I beat my teammate," she said. "My time is my main confidence booster."
Senior Jeff Zodda also had a provisional time with a mark of 1.52:53.
Three other male Lions had ECAC worthy times, all in the 5,000-meter. Freshman Chris Guerriero led the race, finishing in 15:01.55. Next was freshman Kyle Alpaugh who crossed the finish line in 15:07.69. Senior Matt Randal pulled up the rear in 15:09.83.
Alpaugh said afterward that the trio's goal wasn't to qualify for the ECAC because they had already done so earlier in the season. Instead, they wanted to "try to break the 15-minute mark."
"I was pleased with the performance, but am still looking to go faster," he said. "Everything is coming together nicely for all the guys, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if we all go under 15 (minutes) before the end of the season."
"(Mobley) congratulated us for running well and told us to keep up the hard work because the championship season is around the corner, and that's all that matters," Alpaugh said.
At the Widener University meet, freshman Matt Warren completed the 400-meter hurdles in 57.26 en route to an ECAC worthy time. Junior Jenna Prendergast and freshman Julie Ullmeyer both nabbed ECAC qualifying marks in the women's 5,000-meter, finishing in 18:23.64 and 18:29.72, respectively.
The team is rounding into form with championship season rearing its head. The Penn Relays, on April 28 and 29, are the next chance to catch the track and field team as it matures and prepares for the exciting challenge of the championships ahead.
