By Olivia Leonard
The University at Albany Great Danes’ track and field team took on eight other teams within the America East Conference at the Conference Championship. This meet took place at Boston University’s Track and Tennis Center on Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22.
After a long and grueling season of indoor training, both the mens and womens teams were able to earn first place titles, naming the Great Danes as America East Champions.
“Both teams did a tremendous job and continued the winning tradition that we have enjoyed at the Conference Championship,” Head Coach Roberto Vives said. “It was truly a team effort where everyone stepped up to contribute. A tribute to our hard work, commitment and dedication.”
The UAlbany women’s team achieved their eighth straight conference championship, again displaying their dominance in the America East. The team scored 175 points over runner-up UMass Lowell, scoring 122.5 points.
There were several first-place finishes, including Shelby Bigsby in shot put, Asia Jinks in the 60 meter hurdles, Chidinma Matthew in the 60 meter, and the 4 by 400 meter relay team (Lacey, Matthew, Lowe and Jinks).
On the men’s side, the team’s win brought a second straight conference championship. The team scored 171.5 points over runner-up UMass Lowell, who scored only 117 points.
There were several first-place finishes, including: Omahri Sturdivant in the triple jump, Louis Gordon in the men's high jump, Cameron Duffield in the 60 meter hurdles, Harmodio Cruz III in the 400 meter, Myles Banfield in the 500m, Garfield Napier in the 60 meter, Gutierrez Almedina in the 200 meter, and the 4 by 400 meter relay team (Almedina, Cruz III, Duffield, and Banfield).
Up next: select, qualified Danes will be competing in the ECAC Indoor Championships at Boston University’s Track and Tennis Center beginning on March 6.