BOSTON, Mass. – The MIT men's track and field team took on top competition over the weekend at both the Terrier Classic hosted by Boston University, as well as its own home Coed Invitational on Saturday. The Engineers had some quality performances in the two non-scoring meets, including a pair of NCAA Provisional qualifying marks.
Kyle Hannon, who earned a spot in the NCAA Division III Championship as a freshman, began his quest to return to that level in the mile. The sophomore placed 31st overall and sixth among Division III runners with his time of 4:15.73, coming in just under the provisional mark for the National Championship. Teammate Logan Trimble was also impressive in the event, as his time of 4:17.57 was good for 35th overall.
Patrick Marx was the other Tech harrier to submit a Championship-level performance, as he was the top Division III finisher (10th overall) in the 800m with a time of 1:53.84. Three other Engineers came in under the two-minutes mark in the event as well, as David Way (1:57.87), Dawit Zewdie (1:58.18) and Logan Daum (1:58.32) all placed among the top 40 overall.
Tech displayed its quality depth at 1000 meters, with Richard Prevost leading a group of three MIT runners in the top 20 in the event. Prevost came through in 14th place with a time of 2:32.27. Stephen Serene was just two places behind him at 2:32.92 and Justin Bullock's time of 2:33.97 put him in the 19th position.
Back at their home venue, the Engineers took to the field events in the MIT Coed Invite on Saturday afternoon. Jackson Wirekoh leapt past his closest competitor in the triple jump on his final attempt by just three-quarters of an inch, as his jump of 42-2.75 feet was good for the event win. A number of MIT pole vaulters were in action, as Nathan Peterson was one of three Engineers to get over the bar at four-meters. Peterson was second with a vault of 14-1.25 feet. Cyrus Vafadari cleared a height of 13-1.50 feet for fourth place and Davey Hunt (12-7.50) took sixth overall. Matthew Falk finished second in the high jump, as the junior cleared 6-2.00 feet.
The Engineers will welcome regional powers, Williams College and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in a tri-meet next Saturday, February 5 at 12:00 p.m.
