On Friday afternoon The WCU track and field men and women’s teams welcomed more than 10 teams to West Chester University for the annual invitational. This would mark the last time in this season athletes could perform on their home field. Many of our fellow Rams have anticipated this invitational all season long as a last chance to qualify for PSAC’s.
The Men’s team prepared all week with focus on technical things such as getting steps down, mental preparation, and doing the little things right.
Two number one outcomes and many top five performances gave the Golden Rams confidence throughout.
Chris Stancil, sophomore 400 meter runner, came out strong in his event, winning it at 51.51 seconds. Stancil has showed much progress and stated that his outdoor season was decent overall.
In the 800 meter dash Colin McClusik finished third at a time of 2:03.07 while teammate Nick Angelini trailed right behind, stopping the clock at 2:04.44. In a long distance event, Andrew Dombrowiecki placed fourth in the 1500 meter run with 4:29.29.
In field events, Gregory Raudenbush dominated the discus throwing over 43.65 meters to claim sole victory. In the hammer throw, Raudenbush would place fourth behind teammate Dillon Walner, who finished third with a throw of 47.45 meters.
The women had an abundance of top performers with many of the Lady Rams finishing in the top three. In the 400 meter dash, Jill Sarm finished in second place at 1:03.43. 800 meter runner Amanda Eisman left her competitors in the dust, finishing at 2:20.94 and taking first place, almost three whole seconds in front of the runner-up.
Caroline McLaughlin won the 400 meter hurdles at a time of 1:09.36. Caitlin Cheruka stopped the clock at 13:43.22 in the 3000 meter steeplechase. She would finish fourth place.
Elizabeth Rauenzahn earned second place in the triple jump leaping over 10.51 meters of sand.
In the shotput, Kayla Owens finished second with a put of 12.94 meters. Christine Johnson did not let anyone come into her home field discus circle and out-throw her. Winning the event, Johnson threw over 35.08 meters.
Johnson would again dominate in the hammer throw finishing second place with a throw of 43.29 meters.
Women’s javelin finished with two Lady Rams in the top three: Caroline McMahon and Caroline Hughes. McMahon came out second with a spearing throw of 34.89 meters while Hughes finished her event throwing the javelin 32.45 meters.
PSAC Championships begin next Friday and will be held in East Stroudsburg University. Good Luck to all of the West Chester athletes who made it to the final round of the season.
Miguel Bauzo is second-year student studying communications with minors in psychology and journalsim and can be reached at MB797596@wcupa.edu.