The men’s track team traveled to the University of Pennsylvania to compete in the Penn Relays this past weekend and recorded several solid finishes. The team had two individual stand-out performances from seniors Andrew Keino and Robert McDade. Keino placed fifth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase championships, and McDade placed seventh in the discus throw championships. The men’s relay teams also had a good day, finishing second behind Texas in the Distance Medley Championship of America and placed sixth in the 4 x 800-meter relay.

The team has had a solid year so far, and there is still more to come. With senior leadership from McDade and Drew Eckman, along with the great prospects in sophomore Elvis Lewis and freshman Matt Ratigan, the team was able to capture a number of wins and exhibit strong performances. Eckman, in the winter season, was named the Big East Scholar Athlete of the Year and continued his impressive performance in the spring when he qualified for the NCAA regional championship in the 800-meter and was also a part of the distance medley team in this weekend’s Penn relays.

Look for Lewis to have a phenomenal season next year. Lewis has already won numerous events, including the 400-meter at the indoor Big East championship and has also run under the NCAA Regionals qualifying mark in the 400-meter twice this season. He also ran with Eckman at the Penn Relays in the distance medley and put the ‘Cats in first place with his leg of the race.

Hands down, the MVP award for field goes to McDade this year. McDade led by example, winning multiple events and qualifying for the NCAA regionals in the discus throw.

Look for the team to continue its exceptional performances next weekend in the Big East Championships.