VIDEO: 2017 Outdoor Track & Field Season Preview
Written by Joshua Soto (SJC-LI Sports Information)
Patchogue, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's and women's outdoor track and field teams seek to improve from last year's 2016 season after a seventh (women) and ninth place (men) finish at the NJAC Championships a year ago.
Ashley Arquer leads the way for the women heading into her senior year at St. Joseph's College. The Lindenhurst, NY native broke the program's 100-meter (12.65) at the NJAC Championship and qualifying for the ECAC's. She currently holds the 200-meter record (26.40) and holds the program record in the long jump with a 5.03 leap.
Jessica Pierno returns to the track for her third year after breaking SJC's 100-meter high hurdles (16.93), triple jump (10.57), shot put (10.18m), and the javelin (24.08m). Additionally, the East Patchogue, NY native become was named to the NJAC All-Conference Honorable Mention last season in the heptahlon, becoming the first Golden Eagle to qualify to ECAC's in the heptathlon with a record-breaking 3,730 points.
The 4x100-meter relay team of Briana Shand, Arquer, Holownia, and Pierno are ready to make a strong impact this season after besting last year's program-record time at earning a 52.31 second-place finish at the St. Joseph's College Spring Opener last Saturday. The team raced in the Sprint Medley Relay and had a strong spring start posting a 4:39.10 time.
Skyline Cross Country All-Conference and All-ECAC members Erin MacDonell and Kelly Roberts rejoin the team after an exceptional indoor season last winter.
In his fourth season at the helm head coach Matthew Perry brings five recruits including standout twin freshmen Madelyn and Mikayla Kowalevich. Both Madelyn and Mikayla had an impressive run during their tenure at Connetquot High School, and followed up with an impactful indoor season.
With a specialty in hurdles, Mikayla holds the indoor record in the 55-meter high hurdles (9.81) while Madelyn holds the record in the 60-meter high hurdles.
Making an immediate impact on the men's side is Suffolk Community College transfer Brandon Linbrunner who broke the 200-meter record last week crossing the line a 22.98, which was good enough for sixth.
The men return the 4x100-meter relay team of Brian Frejka, Mike O'Shea, Daniel Antonawich, with the addition of Linbrunner who broke the program record with a 45.09 time in the Spring Opener.
Hurdler Daniel Antonawich and is expected to improve after his impressive rookie campaign. Junior Alex Becker broke the shot put record last year, is looked upon to score some field points at this year's meet.
Joining the men's team is Cross Country Skyline All-Conference and All-ECAC member Nick DeLuca.
"We are always looking to get as many athletes as possible to qualify for ECAC's and we have been very fortunate to have had at least one individual or one or two relays qualify," stated Perry, who is excited to get the season started.
The Golden Eagles have their sights set on qualifying for the ECAC's and will look to make a statement at the NJAC Championships at Richard Wackar Stadium in Glassboro, NJ on May 6-7.
