The men's track and field team returned to Penn State for the second time in two weeks for a scored triangular meet against host Nittany Lions and the University of Connecticut. Collectively, the performances were not as impressive as the previous weekend's highly contested National Open, but some stellar individual performances and overall team consistency are reasons to be optimistic three weeks away from the Heptagonal Championships.
Senior Mike Baird continued his nationally competitive ways garnering a provisional qualifier of 4:04.06 in winning the mile. But while provisional qualifying times are a nice benchmark, they are often not enough for a ticket to Fayetteville and a spot on the starting line at the national championship meet. Baird is currently ranked 16th in Division I for the mile; however, a handful of all-Americans have yet to make their season debut. Baird's 8:02 3000m time recorded two weeks ago places him seventh in the nation, and will likely be fast enough to qualify for the championship.
Baird's classmate, cross country captain Jon Bell, showed his versatility over the shorter distances in placing second in the mile with a time of 4:06.21.
Junior Jon Kieliszak placed third in the 1000m run (2:23.79) behind a record-setting win by Penn State's Matt Lincoln.
Mike Baird is optimistic about the progression of the distance runners, particularly after this weekend's performances.
"The Jons (Kieliszak and Bell) and I are pushing our program to exciting, elite levels," Baird said. "Look for us to capture championships and more national qualifiers as the season progresses. I will not be happy until, after positively spanking the rest of the league, I find myself lined up in Fayetteville with a few of my teammates."
Princeton's traditionally strong throwing corps was well represented by sophomore Paul Lyons, whose 55-10.5 shot put was an indoor personal best, and good enough for second place. Lyons captured the shot put title at the indoor Heptagonal championships last years as a freshman. Junior All-America Josh McCaughey had a self-admittedly mediocre performance in placing second in the 35lb weight throw (18.49m), but looks confidently towards defending his Heptagonal title.
Senior captain Cameron Atkinson (6.99, 60m) faltered after an impressive outing the previous weekend.
"I personally didn't run very well. Some technical problems with my race kept me from running as well as I had wanted," Atkinson said. "My season however is right on track, and I am looking forward to a high finish at the Heps."
The sprinters, Marty Taylor (7.11, 60m), Mike Kopp and Justin Reed (49.51, 400m), all ran personal bests. John Karakoulakis (49.78, 400m) also rebounded exceptionally well from a bad race last week.
"As a team, things are starting to come together for us," Baird said. "We are facing the unique challenge of winning our sixth straight Indoor Heps, but if the season continues as it has been, we will be more than ready to meet that challenge."
The Princeton women's track team played host to Penn State and Penn last weekend, finishing ahead of Penn but behind the eventual winner, Penn State. Princeton placed second in the three-team meet, scoring 104 points to Penn State's 137 and Penn's 75. Penn State also beat the Tigers last weekend.
Despite the second place result, Princeton dominated in several of the individual and relay events. Junior Hasina Outtz won the 400-meter dash for the Tigers, crossing the finish line in 58.70. Another junior, Emily Kroshus, also placed first in the mile run with a time of 4:53.78.
In addition, sophomore Jennifer Byrd and freshman Cack Ferrell won their races in the 60-meter hurdles and 3,000-meter run, respectively. Byrd crossed the finish line in 9.07 seconds, while Ferrell ran to victory in a speedy 9:51.81.
Princeton looks to continue its current strong run next week at the annual H-Y-P meet in Cambridge, Mass. The Tigers will take on perennial foes Harvard and Yale. (Princetonian Senior Writer Penn Stabler wrote the women's track piece)
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