The men and women of indoor track and field opened their seasons Saturday at the Alden Invitational in the Olney Margolies Athletic Center, hosting the University of Rhode Island, Worcester State University, Monroe College, Bryant University and Providence College. Though the meet was not scored, Bruno had a successful showing with the men earning seven titles and the women capturing six.
"I was pleased with how well the team competed," said Tim Springfield, interim director of track and field. "I was happy with how well the first-year athletes did. A lot of new athletes came out of the gate at a very nice level."
Among the new athletes, O'Sha Williams '16 and Josephine Darpolor '16 stood out, not only winning their respective events - triple jump and shot put - but also setting personal records. Williams soared 38 feet, leading Bruno on a 1-2-3 sweep in the triple jump, and Darpolor launched the shot 46-9 ½.
Springfield said he was impressed with how well the jumpers and throwers did, considering the coaches in charge of their training had to be replaced this fall.
"To see them come out in the first meet and perform so well, that was really encouraging," Springfield said.
Lacey Craker '13, co-captain of the women's team, led her squad, winning the weight throw with a heave of 54-10. Hannah Wallace '13 had a strong performance in the pole vault, capturing first place with a leap of 11-5 3/4.
On the men's side, Kenneth Thompson '13, co-captain of the men's team, won the triple jump with 47-9. Sean Igelman '14 won the pole vault, clearing a height of 14-5 1/4 and Peter Rhodes '15 captured first place in the long jump with a leap of 22-9.
"I think we ran really well," said Sprints and Hurdles Coach J.J. Riese. "The purpose for veterans is to knock the rust off and get back into being competitive. And for the freshmen, to get the first meet under their belts."
Both Springfield and Riese praised Hunter Warwick '15 for setting a personal record of 8.48 seconds to win the 60-meter hurdles.
Springfield also said John Spooney '14 "opened up really well." Spooney, who holds the school record in the 60-meter dash at 6.79 seconds, won the same event on Saturday in 6.92.
Tyler Benster '13 won the title in the 800 with a time of 1:58.
Bruno continued to be strong on the track with Tess Plant-Thomas '13 putting forth an impressive performance to win the women's 1000-meter run in 3 minutes, 2 seconds. The men's and women's 4x400 relay teams both won their events, in times of 3:25 and 4:07, respectively.
The Bears will next compete Jan. 12 at the Sorlien Invite hosted by URI.
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