By Adam Riglian
The men’s track ‘ field team competed in one of its two home meets this weekend, taking on athletes from Brown, Holy Cross, University of Massachusetts-Boston and Boston College at the Northeastern Spring Open on Solomon Track in Dedham.
The Huskies took first in five events at the non-scoring meet, despite not running a full team.
“Most of the people who ran in Tampa this weekend did not run on Saturday,” said head coach Sherman Hart. “We are starting to put it together and this is the goal. Plus I was able to rest people like Conrad and Christian.”
With seniors Conrad Dalton and Christian Tirella on the bench, junior Jonathan Watkins stepped up to take home the 400-meter in 49.78.
“I’m just glad that [Watkins] finally got his confidence back,” Hart said. “I’m glad the real Jonathan Watkins showed up.”
Sophomore Nate Hunter found success in two events, claiming the shot put (53 feet, .25 inches) and discus (150 feet, three inches). His teammates fell in close behind him, with senior Semiu Alli taking second in the shot (51 feet, 2.25 inches), sophomore Andy Bettina finishing third in the shot (46 feet, 1.5 inches) and freshman Michael Page throwing his way to fourth in the shot put (45 feet, 8 inches).
Rounding out the strong throwing performances was junior Bamidele Faboyede, dominating the hammer throw with a toss of 184-feet, 9 inches, more than 25 feet further than his closest competitor.
“That’s going to be one of our strong areas in the conference,” Hart said. “I just hope they keep competing like they have been.”
Sophomore Dan Anderson picked up where freshman Jordan Thull left off last week, winning the pole vault with a height of 15 feet, well beyond his competition.
The team competes next at the Snowflake Classic at Tufts University this Saturday at 10 a.m.
The Huskies will face city foes BC and BU at this meet along with Brown.
“It should be the first time in awhile the entire team will be competing in the same meet,” Hart said. “We are in championship mode. We really have to get ourselves together and get ready now for CAA championships.”
