Track and field looking to make history

  The University at Albany track and field team will attempt to become the first team to sweep all four America East Conference championships in the same academic year beginning on May 1st.

   The outdoor championships will be hosted by New Hampshire over the course of two days. UAlbany has won three of the last four championships in 2006, 2007 and 2009, winning both the men’s and women’s outdoor championships and the men’s indoor competition each time. The women’s indoor championship was the one title that eluded the team during this time frame.

   This year, things have fallen into place in order for the Danes to pull off the sweep. The women’s team was able to edge out Boston University in the final event to win the championship by a margin of 6.5 points, giving them their first indoor Division I title.

   “It felt great to win the indoor championship,” said Sandy Antenor, captain of the women’s team. “It made us happy that we could be a part of history.”

   The men’s team won their indoor championships as well, dominating the rest of the field and defending its crown for the fifth straight year.

   The Danes have set a high standard for themselves this season, believing they could top last season’s performance. Now the Danes will be looking to take advantage of the opportunity and deliver on their preseason goal.

   “It’s been a main focus around here,” said Antenor. “Coach’s motto has been four championships for a while, it’s been an inspiration for us and has helped us excel.”  

   Much of the team’s success could be attributed to its youth. The team’s lowerclassmen have provided tremendous depth to an already talented roster.

   Freshmen Jonathan Santana was named the America East Championship’s most outstanding rookie performer following his performance in the indoor season. During the outdoor season Santana has been competing in the 200 and 400 meter dash as well as running anchor in the men’s 4x4. Fellow freshmen Jake Rachiele, who also competes in men’s sprints, adds a further compliment to the team.

   The women’s team is also made up of a deep roster that was one of the deciding factors during the indoor championship. Juniors Antenor and Tiffany Spenkels along with freshman Ashley Mahlmeister finished third, fourth and seventh respectively in the women’s horizontal jump competition, propelling UAlbany to victory. The women’s sprint team has a great deal of depth as well, adding another weapon to the Danes’ arsenal.

   Along with the teams talent their camaraderie has played an equally important role in this year’s achievements.

   “This is the best team I have been on as far as getting along,” said Freddie Wills, the reigning decathlon champion and the school record holder for points (51) in the America East outdoor championship. “When there are many different personalities on a team it could lead to clashes.”

   Wills, who is also the captain of the men’s team, has been around for many significant achievements during his tenure with the team.

   Victories in both the men’s and women’s indoor championship have opened the door for the Danes to conquer another feat.

   “The idea of four championships started out when I was around as a freshman,” Wills said. “It has been possible almost every year but this is the first time we were in the position at this time of year and it adds more pressure.”

    The team’s success speaks volumes about the program’s progression from a middle-of-the-line Division III team to a perennial power in the Northeast in only its 10th year at the Division I level.

   “The program has developed a lot in our 10 years at Division I,” Wills said. “The men’s team has been there for a while, but now our women’s team is really starting to develop. We must have both to be successful.”

   As the date of championship draws near the Danes want to make sure they are completely prepared to turn in their best performance.

   “As a team we keep doing what we are doing,” Wills said. “At this time we start ramping down our workouts and pay attention to our health, sleep and hydration. We can’t afford any drop-offs due to injury.”

   The Danes are riding a wave of confidence and are hoping it will translate into another sweep of the outdoor championships.

   “We are psyched about this meet we want to go in and execute,” Wills said. “We want to take both championships and do it with class”

   The men’s team will be looking to defend its fifth straight title while the women’s team will be looking to win their second straight outdoor championship when the tournament gets underway on the 1st.