Complete Results
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny bagged two event victories and Ryan Sullivan delivered a clinching performance in the 3000-meter run as the Gators snuck past host Oberlin for third place at the 2011 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Junior Donte Briscoe ignited a strong second day for the Blue and Gold with his second event win of the weekend. Briscoe, who also finished eighth in the long jump, was the only competitor to clear 6'5” en route to the top spot in the high jump.
“I PR'd by three inches in the high jump, which was a big surprise,” noted Briscoe. “The meet went well, and has me eagerly looking forward to the outdoor season.”
Senior Tony Dipre also drew up a win in the mile, breaking the tape in 4:11.42. Mike Vlah picked up additional points for the Allegheny attack after finishing fourth in 4:19.63.
“Our team came in with low numbers, but performed beyond expectations,” exclaimed Dipre. “Everyone came together during the weekend, and that kind of support really fuels the individual fire. The mile played out liked we hoped it would and now we get to turn our thoughts to nationals and the DMR.”
Although he settled for a third-place finish, Sullivan's outstanding effort in the 3k lifted Allegheny into third place on the team board. Sullivan split 8:39.30 to finish ahead of two Oberlin runners, who crossed the line in fourth and fifth, respectively. The final positioning in the event was critical as Allegheny outscored Oberlin, 86-85.5. Wabash edged Ohio Wesleyan to capture the 2011 team crown.
Said head coach Brent Wilkerson, “Ryan was sensational. With a key piece of our lineup out sick, he really delivered for us in both the three and 5k. The men really showed tremendous leadership, and Donte, who we think has a ton of potential for the outdoor season, provided the team with a great boost.”
Junior Taylor Throckmorton secured Second Team All-Conference honors in the 400m after running 51 flat. Rookie Marc Funderlich added to the team score with an eighth-place finish. The Gators also boasted a pair of scorers in the 800m as Andrew Mahone finished fourth (1:54.57) and Matt Brush (1:58.41) closed eighth. The top four runners in the half-mile race were separated by less than one half of one second.
With every point proving to be critical in Allegheny's bid for the third-place team finish, Bobby Over supplied the team with another key effort in the 3000m after running a personal record 8:52.12 en route to the last scoring spot.
