Both the University men’s and women’s track and field team’s were dominant over the championship weekend, but the men broke a memorable record. The men’s team totaled 27 points, the most ever at the IC4A’s by Monmouth. It was good enough for a ninth place finish. It is Monmouth’s best finish at the event since their 11th place finish in 2002. The Hawks also had five team members take All-East honors at the event.
The women’s team finished in 17th place at the ECAC Championships. It is their second straight season finishing in the top 20. Their 17th place finish is their best in the event in school history. The women’s team also added two more All-East members.
“We were pleased to get the men into the top ten and the women into the top 20 at a high caliber meet like this. We competed very well against the best schools from the Ivy League, Patriot League, Big East and other major conferences. Both teams did a great job this indoor season and we are excited about the opportunities we will have outdoors in a few weeks,” Head Coach Joe Compagni explained in a press release.
For the men’s side, Ford Palmer ran the 1,000 meter run in 2:25.09, good enough for first place and to become the school’s first individual champion at the event. Palmer also joined the distance medley team to an All-East finish along with Mark Bernardo, Aaron Aquino-Rodriguez, and Garth DiBlasio. They finished in seventh place overall. Vince Elardo earned All-East Honors on the first day of the meet in the weight throw, and on the second day as well in the shot put, claiming second overall in the event. Errol Jeffery earned his first All-East honor as he finished fifth in the shot put. Shane Carle finished ninth in the shot put.
For the women, Laura Williams ran the 400 meter run in 54.98, good enough for fifth overall and an All Big East honor. The 4 by 800 relay team of Emily MacEwen, Danielle Toritto, Ali Hehn, and Amanda Eller crossed the finish line at 9:02.24, coming in fifth place overall and earning All-East Honors.
It was a great way to finish off the indoor season for both the men’s and women’s teams. With a lot of confidence and momentum, the Monmouth track and field Hawks will shift to the outdoor season, which starts in two weeks with the 17th Annual Monmouth Season Opener.
PHOTO COURTESY of MU Photography
