The men's indoor track team waits in anticipation for its first meet this weekend. Coached by 19-year veteran Connie Putnam, the team returns to the track where it will once again be up against fierce competition from rival New England Schools inside and outside the NESCAC. During the 2000-2001 campaign, the squad finished fifth in the New England Div. III Championships, 20th in the All-New England Championships, 13th at the ECAC Championships and 30th overall in the NCAA Div. III Championships.
In the New England Div. III Championships, performances from junior Bryant Coen who finished sixth in the 600-meter run, junior Adam Sharp who placed sixth in the 1,000-meter race, and then senior David Patterson who finished second in the 1,500-meter run enabled the Jumbos to finish ahead of other NESCAC schools such as Bowdoin, Bates, Middlebury and Amherst.
Though many potent runners return, senior Adam Barrer, the teams top sprinter, sustained an injury to his ACL during pre-season training, which will prevent him from competing during the indoor season. The loss of Barrer comes as a significant blow to the team, yet the team's morale remains high as it strives to excel in other events. The Jumbos will continue to focus on their depth, an attribute which helped the team to achieve success in the past.
The team is co-captained by junior Greg Devine and senior Andy Bendecit who will both be looked upon to turn in top performances. Devine lauds many honors, including a qualification for the NCAA meet in the 400 meter hurdles last spring. Senior Bryan Pitko, who placed third in the 110 meter hurdles and third in the 55 meter indoor hurdles at the New England Championship, should also be one of the Jumbos' top point winners.
The squad's predominant strengths reside in the distance and hurdling events. Leading the team in the distance group is senior JR Cruz who placed fourth in the 2001 campaign's New England 5,000 meters indoor event. In addition, seniors Jason Mann and Justin Lewis are expected to race well in distance events.
Other middle-long distance talent is expected to emerge from senior Ben Smith who finished eighth in the Div. III New England Cross-Country Championships. Sophomore Patrick Taylor has also shown impressive talent that may earn the team points in the jumping events.
The team's first competes in the Huskie Carnival on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Northeastern University. On Saturday Dec. 8, the Jumbos will host their first home meet at the Gantcher Center.
