Men and Women’s Track Impresses at Invitational

Photo couresty of Ramapo Athletics

Both the men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to the New York Armory in New York City to participate in the 16th Armory Track Invitational. This meet included many NCAA Division I programs such as Duke, Miami and Boston College.

The men’s team had an outstanding showing against the impressive competition.

On the track, distance runner Matthew Tuohy placed 17th in the 3K with a time of 8:46.25. This time was good enough to qualify for ECACs. Distance runners Jeremy Hernandez and Paul Juelis clocked in at 4:11.43 and 4:21.79 in the mile and placed fifth and 17th respectively. Both of those times were good enough to qualify for ECACs.

On the field, Calvin Hartman earned sixth place overall in the pole vault against all Division I competitors. He cleared 4.40 meters. Michael Begen marked 13.63 meters in the shot put, which was good for a 19th place finish. He also placed 17th in the weight throw with a distance of 14.90 meters.

The women’s portion of the meet had similar results to the men’s meet. The distance medley team, made up of Emily Croonquist, Na’Shimah Allen, Graciela Morilla and Paris Hughes, finished with a time of 12:44.19, and placed ninth overall.

On the field, Emily Shipley placed sixth overall in the pole vault, clearing 3.75 meters. That vault placed her in the top 10 for all Division III athletes, in which she is ninth overall.

Justina Cassavell, head coach for both the men’s and women’s track teams, was satisfied with the results from this weekend and how they stacked up against Division I programs.

“I was pleased with how our athletes performed at such a high level meet,” said Cassavell. “Both Emily Shipley and Jeremy Hernandez did very well against Division I competition.”

When asked about the upcoming competition, Cassavell had a positive outlook.

“We are hoping it will help us as we move into the championship season,” said Cassavell. “We are looking forward to having some big breakthrough performances from many of our athletes over the next few weeks.”

Jessica Cusick, who participates in high jump and other field events, was happy with the results of the meet and believes that the team is headed into the right direction.

“My team had a really great meet,” Cusick said. “I really feel like our hard work is finally starting to pay off and we’re headed into the right direction. When NJACs and ECACs come around, the competitors better be ready for us.”

The Roadrunners return to action when they take on the Fast Track National Qualifier at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York.

rcarillo@ramapo.edu