Distance Medley Relay Results
Allegheny Post-Race Interview
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In an absolute stunning performance, Allegheny's distance medley relay powered to a men's national title at the 2011 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships on Friday night. The top six teams entered the race having broken the existing national record earlier in the season, although the Gators outlasted the outstanding field in a gripping race while setting a new Capital Center track record by 18 seconds.
Allegheny broke the tape in 10:00.12, with Wisconsin-Oshkosh picking up runner-up honors in 10:01.12. Haverford (10:02.18), Wisconsin-La Crosse (10:02.44), Bowdoin (10:03.46), and MIT (10:04.49) rounded out the top six. The victory marked the gators' second indoor national crown and first since Jeremy Scott's pole vault title in 2002.
“I couldn't possibly be more proud,” exclaimed head coach Brent Wilkerson. “Every leg was an individual race and every guy put their heart on the line. The plan from the outset was to get Tony the stick in a good position and clearly we did that. It was so amazing to be able to share the moment with the great pack of alumni, friends, and family that made the trip all for this race.”
Sophomore Mike Vlah, who delivered a break-out performance in Allegheny's record-breaking distance medley relay at Boston University's Valentine Invitational, replicated the tremendous lead-off run at the NCAA Championships. Vlah dropped to seventh of a tight pack early after the start but stayed in that spot throughout the 1200-meter circuit.
Junior Taylor Throckmorton took the stick on the first exchange and proceeded to keep the pace during the first half of the quarter leg. Coming out of the final turn, Throckmorton moved into a different gear to pull even with sixth place.
A conservative start marked the opening half of senior Andrew Mahone's 800-meter leg. Mahone maintained his position, until the last 75 meters, where he surged to fourth toward the waiting out-stretched arm of senior Tony Dipre.
The energy at the Capital Center was absolutely electric when Dipre took the baton for the final mile of the race. The senior standout took over first place within the first 25 meters and held that lead despite being challenged by some of the nation's best milers. With about 1000 meters left in the race, Dipre conceded the lead, but after reclaiming the top spot with 500 meters to go, the reigning All-American rolled to the finish line unscathed. He came off the last turn incredibly strong and clearly in control while a throng of athletes and spectators thunderously cheered the explosive finish.
Dipre was the headline of the championship run and not just because he anchored the winning effort. Dipre, who posted the second-fastest mile in Division III this year (4:06.81), made a huge individual sacrifice in pursuit of the ultimate team achievement as he pulled out of the open mile in favor of the distance medley relay. His unselfishness resulted in the most electrifying performance in team history.
“We talked before the race about how we wanted it to go and we were able to execute the plan to perfection,” added assistant coach Jason Headman. “We put it together at the right time, and after Tony made his move late in the race, we knew we were experiencing something very special. On top of everything, the fan support was unreal. I'm so happy for these guys and the entire Allegheny program.”
