Men's Track & Field 6th of 11 at URI
Central boasted seven top-five finishes at the meet.
The Central Connecticut men's track and field team competed at the University of Rhode Island Coaches Tribute Invitational on Saturday in Kingston, RI. The Blue Devils were led by NEC Rookie of the Week Joseph Gioielli, who placed first in the 1,000m run with a time of 2:31.07.
In addition to Gioielli's impressive performance, CCSU boasted a trio of second-place finishes in junior Craig Hunt, sophomore Jamal Fruster and freshman Malcolm Connor.
Hunt earned the silver in the 3,000m run (8:36.93) and was followed by Central redshirt freshman Matt Walker, who finished in 8:59.75 for ninth place. Fruster placed second in the 400m dash (50.61) and was trailed by junior Ryan Budd and freshman Brian Beckwith who finished the race in 51.97 and 53.61 for 13th and 18th, respectively. Connor earned his silver in the 500m dash, crossing the finish line 1:07.34.
Senior Dan Hopper turned in a solid performance for the Blue Devils in the 60m dash, crossing the finish line in 7.11 for third place and earning a new career-best time in the event.
Central finished fourth in the 4x400 meter relay with a time of 3:29.37. The team consisted of Connor, Gioielli, sophomore Joey Farrington and senior Mike Waterbury.
In the 60m hurdle event, senior Nick Lindblom notched another top-five finish for Central, completing the race in 8.45. Lindblom was followed by sophomore Jordan Watkins who crossed the line in 8.60 for seventh.
In the field events, freshman John Sudol placed seventh in the long jump, recording a distance of 6.24 meters, and ninth in the triple jump marking 12 meters. Junior Michael Ficorilli registered 12.95 meters in the shot put and finished 15th in a field of 28 competitors. Ficorilli also competed in the weight throw competition where he placed 24th of 32 registering a distance of 13 meters.
In addition to the Blue Devils' appearance at URI, CCSU senior Aaron Radden competed at the Armory Collegiate Invitational on Saturday where he placed 15th in the 200m dash Championship preliminaries.
For complete URI meet results, click here.
For complete Armory results, click here.
The Blue Devils return to action on Saturday, February 9 for the NEC Championships at Prince George's Complex in Landover, MD.
