UAlbany Sweeps America East Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships Again
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UAlbany’s track and field programs have combined for eight consecutive America East Outdoor Championships. Both teams defended their titles on Sunday afternoon at the Frank H. Livak Track & Field Facility in Burlington, Vt.
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ALBANY, N.Y. (May 10, 2016) – The University at Albany track and field programs continued dominance in league competition, claiming the men’s and women’s 2016 America East Championship titles Sunday afternoon at the Frank H. Livak Track & Field Facility in Burlington, Vt.
For the men, it was the twelfth consecutive America East crown, the team’s thirteenth in the last 14 years. The women took home an eighth consecutive championship, and have now won 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 173 points, narrowly defeating New Hampshire (165 points) to take home the championship. The Great Danes were led by senior Grace Claxton, who collected a total of 30 points. She earned victories in the 200- and 400-meter competitions, and was on UAlbany’s winning 4x100 relay team. Sophomore Stephanie Osuji was also on the Great Danes’ 4x100 relay team, and placed first in the 100-meter. In the field, freshman Anika Hibbard took first in the high jump, and senior Solène Bastien won the triple jump. Lastly, sophomore Niamani Morrison won the 100-meter hurdles.
The men scored 219 points to claim the conference title. UMBC followed in second with 145 points. Senior Taariq Jones led the way, defending his title in the 400-meter. Jones was also a member of UAlbany’s winning 4x400 relay team. In the field, the Great Danes swept the top three places for the triple jump, with junior Matthew Campbell placing first. Other winners included juniors Jonathan Eustache and Kingsley Ogbonna in the discus and high jump, respectively, senior Jaymen Teemer in the 200-meter, and freshman Sidney Gibbons in the 110-meter hurdles.
The men’s team was awarded the America East Coaching Staff of the Year accolade, with Jones taking home the Coaches’ Award for highest point scorer. He also earned the Elite 18 Award, given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA among top point-getters. On the women’s side, Claxton earned the Coaches’ Award.
With conference championships now concluded, the Great Danes look ahead to continuing deeper into the championship season. The teams will visit Princeton next weekend for the IC4A Championships, and then North Florida for the NCAA East Regional Championships, May 26-28.
Visit ualbanysports.com for more information on both programs, including up-to-date meet results.
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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.
