By Jeff Powalisz
Give credit to Northeastern track coach Sherman Hart. He’s well aware of his opponents and for that, he correctly predicted his team would have success against Harvard on Saturday.
Snapping a 10-year losing streak against the Crimson, the Huskies came out strong all the way around, showcasing their great depth in winning 82-62 at the Gordon Track in Allston.
Northeastern had a first place finisher in 10 of 17 events, including the long jump where Steven Langton (6.84 meters) and Roscell Lopez-Pitts (6.74) produced a defining 1-2 finish for the team.
“Steven and Roscell did extremely well,” Hart said. “The finishes were a pleasant surprise and I knew we needed to do well there to win.”
Lopez-Pitts finished first in the 500 meters, earning key points for the team, and with a 1:06.31 time, edged Harvard’s Werner Van Vuuren (1:06.75).
“Roscell ran a great 500 meters, and that was a pleasant surprise as well,” Hart said.
In the 60-meter dash, the Huskies came out full force. Obaro Emenike (7.01 seconds), Bismark Osei (7.03), Langton (7.05), Sumit Sikka (7.11), and Charlie Van Lam (7.37) went 1-5 in the event, putting Northeastern ahead.
Idris Payne (21.99), Sikka (22.63), and Emenike (22.76) went 1-2-3 in the 200 meter dash, again showing off the Huskies’ depth on the day.
“We have more depth this year for sure,” Hart said. “That is the one thing Harvard has always beat us out in. But the sophomores have come on, and I knew we would break our drought sooner or later.”
The Huskies came up big in the 60 meter hurdles as well where Peter Jasmin and Matt Valuk secured the top two finishes with times of 8.61 and 8.76.
Harvard was able to take a hold of the 4×800 meter relay (8:09.14), but Northeastern countered with a victory in the 4×400 (3:33.04).
Other key finishes for Northeastern was Derek Anderson in the shot put (16.74 m), and the weight throw (17.13 m).
“I’m very happy for the win, but I’m still not happy with many aspects,” Hart said, in looking toward the rest of the season. “We’re doing better depth wise, but we need to run with more passion. We need to step it up.”
