UAlbany Sweeps America East Outdoor Track and Field Championships
 |
|
UAlbany’s track and field program claimed the men’s and women’s 2015 America East Outdoor Track Championship titles at University Field, May 2-3. (Graphic courtesy of UAlbany Athletics) |
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 3, 2015) – The University at Albany track and field program continued its league dominance, claiming the men’s and women’s 2015 America East Outdoor Track Championship titles at the Great Danes’ University Field, May 2-3.
For the men, it was the 11th consecutive America East crown, the team’s 12th in the last 13 years. The women took home a seventh consecutive championship, winning 10 of the last 11. Both teams have solidified top ten spots in the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division I regional rankings.
The women’s team scored 227 points to win the competition. UMBC placed second with 169 points. The Great Danes were led by junior Grace Claxton, who set a new championship meet record in the 400-meter (53.35). Other winners included UAlbany’s 4x100 relay team, 4x800 relay team and senior Michele Anthony (100-meter hurdles). In field, senior Veleisha Walker took home the javelin title, while freshman Zoo Doolittle was crowned the discus champion. Senior Janice Johnson place first in the shot put, setting a school record (48’-1.25”).
The men scored 192.5 points to claim the conference title, defeating second place UMBC by nearly 70 points. The men were led by junior Jaymen Teemer who won both the 100- and 200-meter competitions. Sophomore Nathan Hiett (high jump) and junior Taariq Jones (400-meter) each defended their titles from last year. UAlbany swept the top two places in the high jump, sophomore Matthew Campbell placed first, sophomore Kingsley Ogbonna took second. In the triple jump, freshman Devon Willis was first, jumping a season-best 49’-10.5”.
Both teams were awarded the America East Coach Staff of the Year accolade, while Willis earned the Most Outstanding Men’s Rookie. Temmer won the Coaches’ Award for the highest point-scorer (22 points in three events).
With conference championships now concluded, the Great Danes look ahead to continuing deeper into the championship season. UAlbany hosts the Purple & Gold Last Chance Meet on May 8. On May 15, the teams will visit Princeton for the ECAC Championships, and then North Florida on May 28 for the NCAA East Regional Championships.
For more news, subscribe to UAlbany's RSS headline feeds
A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs. UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health,health sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare and sociology, taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.
