This past weekend, the Hopkins men’s and women’s track and field teams smashed records and posted nation-leading performances at the George Mason Patriot Games. The team traveled to Fairfax, Va. for the two days of competition that began on Friday, Jan. 27.
The first day of competition ended with a number of personal records and even a new Centennial Conference record. Sophomore Felicia Koerner continued to showcase her strength on the track after a breakthrough cross country season earlier this fall.
Koerner led a flock of Blue Jays in the 5,000 meter. Crossing the line in record-breaking fashion, Koerner clocked 16:41 for the 3.1 mile race.
Koerner’s 5,000 meter time from earlier this season led D-III rankings. However, Koerner managed to smash her own nation-leading time by 15 seconds at the Patriot Games, breaking into the top 10 all-time D-III performances in the 5K.
“My goal at the beginning of the season was to be an All-American,” Koerner said. “But now I am thinking I should maybe reexamine that and aim higher.”
All-American, at this point, almost seems certain for Koerner in the coming months. In fact, her 3,000 meter split of 9:47 during the 5K race is the fourth best all-time record in Centennial Conference history and seven seconds faster than her 3,000 meter performance earlier this season, which currently leads the Conference.
“I would say there is definitely some added pressure,” Koerner said about her nation-leading times. “Things are still bound to change before and during the big races, but for now I am just grateful for the season I am having.”
For the third time this season and the second week in a row, the sophomore was named the Centennial Conference Women’s Track Athlete of the Week, announced on Monday.
The second day of competition was highlighted by the men’s own record-breaking performances. Senior Andrew Bartnett led the Blue Jays in the heptathlon with 5,141 points at the Patriot Games. Bartnett not only broke the Centennial Conference record in the event, but his performance now leads D-III.
Bartnett’s success earned him Centennial Conference Men’s Field Athlete of the Week honors for the third time this season and the second week in a row. His performance is just short of breaking the top 10 all-time DIII performances, sitting at 11th.
Another Hopkins record would fall when senior Tom Pavarini finished strong. Coming in fifth place, Pavarini clocked 2:30 in the 1,000 meter race to break the all-time school record.
Other notable performances at the games included a first place finish in the 3,000 meter run by senior Tess Meehan. Clocking a time of 10:08, Meehan crossed the line a full 20 seconds faster than the second finisher. Meehan was followed by sophomore teammate Tasha Freed, who landed a third place finish.
Senior Shannon Martello had an impressive day at George Mason, finishing top four in both the 800 meter run and the mile. Her time of 2:21 in the 800 meter is the fastest this season by a Blue Jay in the event.
After finishing third in the 800, Martello came back to finish fourth in the mile, clocking 5:16. Martello was followed by a pack of teammates, including sophomore Gina D’Addario and freshman Rebecca Grusby.
The Blue Jays will be back on the track this Saturday, Feb. 4 to compete in the Frank Colden Invitational hosted by Ursinus College. The Jays will travel to Collegeville, Pa. to compete.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.