The men's and women's track and field teams made the short trip up I-390 on Sunday to compete in the University of Rochester Alumni Invitational. The women's team continued their dominance in the distance events while both field teams maintained their impressive season.
In the women's 1,500 meter, Geneseo took the top two spots and placed four runners in the top 10. Leading the way was sophomore Erin Marks with a time of 4:48.57. She beat out her teammate, senior Meghan Nolan.
"This race was great and showed two things about our team," said coach Dave Prevosti. "It shows that Meghan, a multi all-American, is getting back into form. It also shows that Erin has really stepped it up to another level."
The women also took the top two spots in both the steeplechase and the 5,000 meter. Juniors Lauren Ferrimani and Lisa Halloran took first and second in the steeplechase, respectively. In the 5,000 meter, sophomore Sandra Goettelman took first place while teammate Amy Williams, a sophomore, came in second.
The field portion of the team continued to impress Prevosti.
"In the indoor conference championship, I felt as though only one group peaked and that was the throwers," he said. "They are a talented group who are young and still learning."
Prevosti went on to say that his throwers have an upside that is unmatched by any other SUNY school, a comment junior Julie Thering helped validate as she took first place in the discus, third in the shot put and fourth in the hammer throw.
On the men's side, there were several noticeable performances. Freshman Jonathon Brotsch finished third in the 400 and in the process ran the school's third fastest time.
"Jonathon typifies what we are all about here at Geneseo," said Prevosti. "He came here, has really applied himself and continues to get better. I'm really encouraged by his performance."
In the 400-meter hurdles, freshman Chad Bogar finished in second place. Ryan Joyce, a sophomore, had an Eastern College Athletic Conference qualifying jump, placing third in the triple jump.
Prevosti is looking forward to watching his 4x100 meter relay team this spring. The indoor quartet is comprised of senior Scott Baron, sophomore Pat Gallagher and freshmen Shaun Brummert and Steve Fitch.
"Three quarters of that squad are underclassmen," Prevosti said. "I expect them to run a sub 3:20 time this season."
Some of the squad will travel to Bucknell University in Pennsylvania for the Bucknell Distance Carnival on Friday and Saturday. The majority of the team will be at the University of Rochester next Sunday.