By Ricky Popolizio
Northeastern track coach Sherman Hart was correct in his prediction last week that the men’s team was ready to make a statement. With help from mother nature, who finally provided some good weather, the men won three events and tied Brown University for second place at the Connecticut Open in Storrs, Conn. on Saturday with an overall score of 131. The University of Connecticut took first place with 178 points.
NU senior Michael Couch was victorious in the pole vault with a leap of 4.71 meters and senior Adam Crossman’s javelin throw of 57.66 meters was good for first place as well. The 4×100-meter relay team also finished first with a time of 42.17 seconds.
For the women’s team, Amy Hicks led the way with a third place mark in the 800-meter dash with a time of 2:13.8 seconds, while the 4×100 team also took home a third place at 48.21 seconds. The women scored just 68 total points and finished fourth overall, behind Brown (204), UConn (186.5) and the University of Rhode Island (116).
“I felt that both teams had fairly successful meets, although it wasn’t a typical Northeastern meet because we didn’t dominate,” Hart said. “I felt that the men in particular competed fairly well, having the time off that they did. The guys really went out and did a good job this weekend and competed with passion.”
It was a good day for the men’s javelin throwers. Crossman won with a throw of 57.66 meters (189 feet).
“[Crossman] has been consistent in the 180’s and we are looking for him to get in the 200 area, and that’s really good because he is coming off a year of injuries,” Hart said.
Crossman agreed he still has a way to go before he is at his best again.
“I didn’t throw as well as I wanted to, but overall we had a pretty good competition,” Crossman said. “This was my second meet back from two years off, and I’m trying to get back into the swing of things.”
Senior Mike Randall and junior Ricardo Parente were also impressive with their throws. Randall threw 178 feet 10 inches.
“That is a huge throw for him and puts him right in the hunt, probably top three in the conference,” Hart said.
Parente had a personal best throw at 177 feet 5 inches.
“Those three guys (Crossman, Randall and Parente) are right there in the conference in terms of being top throwers,” Hart said.
The 4×100 relay team was quick enough for first place at 42.17 seconds. It was the fastest time all season for the men.
“It was close to the school record, which I really believe we will get this season,” said freshman Luis Moreira.
Also notable were the men’s long jumpers. Freshman Mark Michelman jumped 22 feet, a personal best.
“It was probably the most consistent [meet] we have had throughout the outdoor season,” said senior tri-captain Steven Langton. “It was a good step toward our ultimate goal, which is winning the conference. This is our last year outdoor in the America East. We came together to win indoors, and we have the done same for outdoors. We want to leave on top.”
Next year, the Huskies will be competing in the Colonial Athletic Association.
