Carre, Brigham, Jurczynski look to lead track team

Coming off successful cross country and indoor seasons in which the Jumbos finished first and second in Div. III in New England, respectively, the Tufts men's track program is poised to sustain its dominant performance outdoors this spring.

After finishing second to Williams (Williams 135, Tufts 119.5) in last year's outdoor NESCAC championship, as well as in the indoor Div III. New Englands (Williams 115.5, Tufts 107.5) the men's team looks to follow in the footsteps of the cross country team in unseating the Ephs and claiming the NESCAC crown as a team. Along the way, Tufts wants to send as many individuals as possible to the national championships.

The Jumbos will be driven in this effort by a slew of returning track stand-outs.

Junior Nate Brigham (10000 meters) will anchor a loaded distance team which includes, among others, freshman Josh Kennedy (10000 m), sophomore upstart Matt Lacey (5000 m), sophomore Kyle Doran and junior Michael Don in the 1500, and senior tri-captain Peter Jurczynski, last year's NESCAC steeplechase champion.

"Peter's got good agility and he's stubborn," coach Connie Putnam said. "He's a power runner and he handles that race well."

Freshmen Scott Merrick, Dan Sullivan, and Dan Jones are also poised to contribute in various races.

Brigham is hoping to continue his regular season success and break through on the national level. He holds Tufts records in the 5000 and 10000 meter runs, and was the New England indoor champion in the 5000 meter run last year.

"I feel like we are poised to be the most successful team I have ever been a part of," Brigham said. "We are much more mature and a lot deeper than we have been in previous years."

Regarding his own goals, Brigham said, "of course I want to make a run at winning nationals in the 10000, but right now my concern is getting ready for my qualifying attempt at the Penn Relays. All in all I just want to run fast for myself and for the team."

Leading the way for this year's sprint squad will be junior Ray Carre, a blazing 400 m runner who also is the New England Div. III indoor champ and Tufts record holder in the 600. He is joined by the talented duo of sophomores Pat Mahoney and Trevor Williams, and freshman Nate Cleveland. Junior Nate Thompson will contribute points in hurdling events.

With the returning talent and the momentum of a strong indoor season at its back, the Tufts men's track team's preseason goals may not be far out of reach.