In spite of tough competition, the indoor track and field teams produced top results at Cornell University's Kane Invitational on Saturday.
Senior Mark Streb topped the men's results with a personal record in the 1,000-meter. Even after suffering a spike wound, Streb finished second in 2 minutes, 33.45 seconds. He crossed the finish line less than two seconds after the first place finisher. Streb also clinched the second spot in Geneseo's Top 10 All-Time records. Assistant coach Mike Woods said was grateful for the assistance he received from Cornell staff and Streb's parents, who rushed the runner to the hospital immediately following the race. Their help "possibly saved his indoor season," Woods said.
Classmate Ryan O'Connor also had a key performance in the mile. His personal record adds a fifth entry to the Top 10 All-Time record this season. The five record-breakers and three additional milers have already qualified for the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship.
"There's no question that we have the best milers … I think we have the best milers in the country," Woods said. Though two of the five All-Time record holders this season are seniors, Woods is not worried. "We're losing some really good milers, but boy we have a bunch coming back," he said.
In the 3,000, juniors Eddie Novara and Alyssa Smith along with sophomores Tom Clark and Marissa Liberati stole the show. Novara and Clark placed second and third, and Liberati and Smith took third and seventh, respectively. Each runner earned personal records, and three were recognized in the Top Ten All-Time records. All four are working towards the ECAC championship, which will be held in the New York City Armory on March 4-5. Clark is especially looking forward to the championship because, according to Woods, "it's his stomping grounds and if he sheds a few more seconds, he'll be ready for the NCAA championship."
In the field events, senior Maria Barbaglia posted a new personal record in the weight throw. Her 14-meter throw also earned recognition in the All-Time records. Classmate Mike McManus didn't meet his usual standards, but took fourth with a 1.94-meter high jump.
The Knights travel to the Rochester Institute of Technology this weekend for their final meet before the SUNYAC championship. "This next meet is really important," Woods said, since only the top 16 teams participate in the SUNYACs. "Everyone needs to take ownership of what they've done this season. They should look at the [SUNYAC qualifying] list and see what they need to do. They gotta step up to the plate and swing for the fence. There's no tomorrow after that [meet]."