ECAC Outdoor Championship Results

BETHLEHEM, PA (May 20, 2011) – On Friday afternoon, senior Jonathan Erickson and sophomore Sam Wagner of the Vassar College men's track team ran NCAA Provisional qualifying times in the 800 meters at the ECAC Outdoor Championships at Moravian College. On Sunday, they'll learn if their performances were good enough to make school history.

In the four years since Vassar introduced a track program, the school has never had a runner qualify for nationals, although a few have come close. With sophomore Kelly Holmes earning a spot in the 800 meters on the women's side, the Brewers have a chance with Erickson and Wagner to send three runners to the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships at Ohio Wesleyan on May 26-28.

Erickson, who won the second of three heats run with a 1:51.76 time, was able to watch his teammate Wagner win the third heat with a 1:51.29 finish. Wagner's performance was the best of 17 runners competing, while Erickson's time was third best overall. Junior Zach Williams, also competed in the second heat with Erickson, was elbowed out of the race and had a hard time getting back into contention. Head coach James McCowan said that Wagner's effort places him roughly in the 13th position nationally; Erickson in 15th, and “both guys have a good chance of going to nationals.”

“Jon's race went out very fast and he was around the front in third place,” said McCowan. “With about 400 meters to go he made his move, opened it up and never looked back. A couple of runners were trying to mix it up with him on the back straightaway, but we saw the Erickson kick come into place and he won his heat in impressive fashion.”

McCowan said that Williams, Vassar's third 800 meter participant,  had a “strong season and has positioned himself to have an outstanding senior season.”

In the third heat, McCowan said that Wagner went out quickly, moving into the third spot and much like Erickson, went for the victory at the 400 meter mark. “Sam held on nicely for the victory, and along with Jon should have times that could have them competing at nationals. Both guys had exciting performances and I couldn't be happier for them.”

Junior Justin Rupert, who qualified for the ECAC's in the 1,500 meters at the Oneonta Last Chance meet with a 4:00.05 performance, ran a tenth-place 4:02.40 competing in the third heat. That time placed Rupert 29th overall in one of the premier track events. Nathan Bickell of Ithaca won Rupert's heat with a 3:57.12 time.

“Justin had a breakout race when he qualified at Oneonta,” said McCowan. “There's just so many of those a runner has. Today, Justin had a good run, and perhaps could have had a great run with a little more assertive tactics. Justin had a phenomenal season for us, was a true leader of our team and I am looking forward to what he can do next season.”

The 4 x 400 meter relay team, which added sophomore #Mathúe Duhaney# to the mix of Erickson, Wagner and Williams, won the second heat in a new school record time of 3:21.26, which was 14th best out of 25 teams participating.

“It was the best way to close out the day and a successful track season with a new school record,” said McCowan.