The outdoor season opened for the Georgetown track team last weekend, as they traveled to the University of Richmond for the Fred Hardy Invitational. The Hoyas had a strong start to their season, winning several team and individual events.
Head Coach Patrick Henner was pleased with his team’s times, especially for graduate student Dylan Sorenson and senior Matt Howard in the steeplechase, where he believes they did enough to punch their tickets to the NCAA East Regionals in May. Other track wins for the Hoyas included senior Chelsea Cox, who won the 1500 meter with a time of 4:30:05, graduate student Amanda Kimbers, who won the 100 meter dash in 12.0 seconds, and freshman Bobbie Burgess, who won the 3000 meter run in 10:03:89.
The field events were dominated by senior Eghosa Aghayere, who set a meet and personal record in the triple jump with a mark of 15.30 meters. This was the best distance in the Big East this year, and the eighth best distance in the country. Another strong showing in the field came from Richard D’Ambrosio, who finished third in the men’s long jump.
The Hoyas are coming off of a strong indoor season, with 12 All-American distinctions on the men’s and women’s teams. New All-American standouts Sabrina Southerland, a freshman mid-distance runner, and distance medley runners Hannah Neczypor and Deseree King, lead a strong Hoya contingent poised for a successful outdoor campaign.
Additionally, the return of Andrew Springer this outdoor season is an exciting development for the Hoyas—the graduate student is a two-time All American and a three-time Big East Champion in various distance events. He was unable to compete during the indoor season because of a hip injury.
Next up for the track team is a trip to Palo Alto, California, for the Cardinal Invitational at Stanford University. Henner is only sending athletes he believes are capable of qualifying for the NCAA East Regionals to the Cardinal Invitational. One of those fortunate athletes making the trip is senior Max Darrah, an All-American last year. Although his times have been subpar as of late in the steeplechase event, Henner has expressed confidence in Darrah’s ability to regain his earlier form.
Despite the importance of the Cardinal Invitational, it’s not the only meet where Hoyas will be competing on Friday. Many sprinters and jumpers will compete in the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Fl., where the warm weather may foster better performances, while others will compete in the Colonial Relays in Williamsburg, Va. As the spring progresses and the weather improves, Henner feels his team will be able to build on its solid performances from earlier this season.
Overall the team is in prime position to build off its strong indoor season and excel in the spring. With established veterans already performing well, it is up to the underclassmen to make the difference for the Hoyas at the NCAA Tournament.
