STAC TRACK INDOOR SEASON
On February 28th and 29th the STAC Striders traveled down to the 168th Street Armory to participate in two meets. On the 28th, The New York Road Runners Club hosted the Thursday Night at the Races.
The Spartan who shined the most at that meet was junior Elmer Eckert who competed in the open 1500 meter race. Elmer ran a spectacular race as he came in 3rd and set a new personal record of 4:12 which translates into a 4:29 mile, which is the fastest mile of the season by any Spartan runner.
On the women's side, Lisa Urnaitis & Amanda Szorentini ran the 800 meter race finishing in 2:49 and 2:58 respectively. Later, Elmer, Lisa and Amanda teamed up with 5 other Spartan runners to place first in the co-ed 8 X 200 meter relay. One of the sights to behold was Ashley Tuscano running a 28.9 on her 200 leg. She was a sight to behold because she missed the entire winter season with an injury, which she developed during the cross-country season. WELCOME BACK ASHLEY!
On Friday, an invited group from STAC participated in the NYU FAST TRACK INVITATIONAL. Sophomore Chris Muniz was the star of the show as he lit up the track by winning his heat in a new school record of 49.77 in the 400 meter race. Chris then anchored the 4 X 400 relay in a sizzling 49.8 Vinny Modafferi almost broke the 800 meter school record by running a strong 1:58.05. Mike Valentine started to round into sprinting shape by running an 51.94 for the 400 meter race. Kwame Opoku ran a gutsy 2:01.93 in the open 800 meter race inspite of being spiked in both legs.
On the women's side, Jeanette Gibson threw the shot 10.33 meters in preparation for competing at the ECAC championship up in Boston.
To close out the indoor season the entire team will be competing in the Front Runners Indoor Track Meet on March 7th.
On March 8th & 9th a select few will be competing in the IC4A Championship. Chris Muniz, Vinny Modafferi, Kwame Opoku, Mike Valentine & John Cirolia will be competing in the 4 X 400 Relay, which is the companion championship to the ECAC championship which Jeanette Gibson will compete in.
DISTANCE NIGHT RESULTS
Elmer Eckert - 4:12 (1500 meter race)
Dan Nilsen - 2:30 (800 meter race)
Lisa Urnaitis - 2:49 (800 meter race)
Amanda Szorentini - 2:58 (800 meter race)
Matt Abrahamson - 24.9 (200 meter relay)
Anderson Munro - 24.9 (200 meter relay)
Elmer Eckert - 26.4 (200 meter relay)
Ashley Tuscano - 28.9 (200 meter relay)
Amanda Szorentini - 32.0 (200 meter relay)
Lisa Urnaits - 32.0 (200 meter relay)
NYU FAST TRACK RESULTS
Chris Muniz - 49.77 (400 meter race)
Mike Valentine - 51.94 (400 meter race)
Keith Francis - 52.07 (400 meter race)
John Cirolia - 53.19 (400 meter race)
Vinny Modafferi - 1:58.05 (800 meter race)
Kwame Opoku - 2:01.93 (800 meter race)
Davide Pulsoni - 2:06.80 (800 meter race)
Jeanette Gibson - 10.33 meters (Shot Put)
4 X 400 Relay - 3:28.17 (Keith, John, Mike, Chris)
4 X 400 Relay - 3:32.80 (Vinny, Davide, Kwame, Matthew)
WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Most Vaulable Runner
Chris Muniz
Most Improved Runners
Elmer Eckert & Mike Valentine
Lisa Urnaitis, Amand Szorentini, Ashley Tuscano
Golden Guts Runners
Vinny Modafferi & Kwame Opoku