As the indoor season starts to wrap up, the University of Rhode Island men’s track and field team competed at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston on Friday and celebrated its senior day this past Saturday at the URI Coaches Invitational.
Third-year Nick Martin was able to make URI history for the second time this season at the Valentine Invitational. Martin came in 13th place in the mile run with a posted time of 3:59.07.
Martin’s time was the fastest in Rhode Island history, giving him another accomplishment to go along with the 1,000-meter record he captured earlier this season. It was also the only sub-four-minute mile in URI history.
Fourth-year Antonio Capalbo was able to place 10th in the 1,000-meter race in Boston. Capalbo posted a time of 2:25.67.
The Rams kicked off Saturday with a good start in the 60-meter dash. Third-year Alex Arbogast took silver in the event, finishing with a time of 6.91 seconds. Fifth-year Izzy Henriques-Setho came in closely behind with a time of 6.99 seconds, securing third place.
Rhode Island was able to capture two of the top three spots in the 1,000-meter run as well. Second-year Maddox Jordan won the event with a time of 2:25.32. Capalbo came right behind Jordan with a time of 2:26.12.
Second-year Owen Vieira closed out the running events by coming in second place in the 60-meter hurdles. Vieira posted a time of 8.49 seconds.
The jumping events are where the Rams saw their most success. Rhode Island dominated the long jump, as all of the top three finishers were Rams.
Sixth-year Matt Santy led the way with a jump of 7.49 meters. Fifth-year Joachim Ennoo took second place with a 7.41-meter long jump. Third-year Nate Shultz rounded out the top three for the long jump, with a 7.14-meter jump.
“We have a really deep crew of long jumpers,” URI Track and Field Head Coach Trent Baltzell said. “So I think it’s just a day-to-day competition that they have amongst themselves that brings out the best in all of them.”
Santy was also able to win the high jump, marking a 2.09-meter jump. First-year Josia Katroli followed behind in second place with a 2.04-meter jump.
Rhode Island saw two athletes at the top of the leaderboard for the pole vault event as well. Third-year Nathan Park won the event, clearing a bar set at 4.86 meters. First-year Carson Dean came in second place with a mark of 4.86 meters.
Ennoo was able to continue his hot streak, winning the triple jump with a length of 15.79 meters. This marks Ennoo’s third triple jump win of the indoor season. First-year Arnaud Sioho placed second in the triple jump, marking a 15.29-meter distance.
Third-year Theo Puterbaugh continued his strong indoor season, picking up his third shot put win.
“If you’re consistent with everything in your life, it’s a lot easier to be consistent in the ring, in your event, and in your sport,” Puterbaugh said. “I really focus on my schedule. Consistently waking up at a good time, consistently practicing and getting a little extra work in.”
Puterbaugh’s winning throw traveled 16.71 meters. Second-year Winslow Sightler followed Puterbaugh, throwing for 16.32 meters to capture second place.
The weight throw event capped off the top performances from Saturday. Third-year Sam Meleshenko placed second in the event with a 16.61-meter throw.
The Rams won’t have to travel far for their last meet before the Atlantic 10 Championship, as they go to Providence to compete at the Brown Invitational on Saturday.
