GNAC Announces Outdoor Track and Field Major Awards

WINTHROP, Mass. – Regis College student-athletes Justin Thuotte (Lebanon, Conn.), Benjamin Happenny (Woonsocket, R.I.) and Emily Aho (Pelham, N.H.) have been selected to receive postseason honors from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) for the 2024 Outdoor Track and Field season.

Thuotte was named GNAC Men's Field Athlete of the Year, while Happenny and Aho were voted to the GNAC Outdoor Track and Field All-Sportsmanship Team.

In addition, head coach Ben Colello and assistant coaches Elizabeth Cameron and Elisabeth Cooke were voted GNAC Women's Outdoor Track and Field Coaching Staff of the Year, while the women's team also earned the Institutional Sportsmanship Team Award, the ninth team within the Regis Pride athletics program to receive the honor this year.

 Thuotte won three individual titles at the 2024 GNAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, starting with the triple jump. Thuotte broke a nine-year old school record with a mark of 13.39 meters. He continued April 28 with victories in the pole vault after clearing 3.80 meters (12' 5.5") and the long jump with a mark of 6.32 meters (20' 9"). He qualified for the New England Division III Track and Field Championship in the triple jump.

"Justin had a terrific season and year in which he was never satisfied and continued to put in the work to improve each and every day. Justin shines when the lights are brightest, and that is exactly what he did at GNAC Championships in several events. A very well-deserved award for JT!" Coach Colello said.

 Happenny was selected to the GNAC Men's Outdoor Track and Field All-Sportsmanship Team for showing support to his teammates while competing. He helped clinch second place in the 4x800 meter relay with an overall time of 8:37.11 at the GNAC Outdoor Championships. The junior also broke the outdoor school record on the second day of the conference championships after completing the 1500 meter run with a time of 4:16.18.

 Aho was selected to the GNAC Women's Outdoor Track and Field All-Sportsmanship Team. The junior earned personal bests at the GNAC Championship in the 100 meter hurdles, finishing with a time of 18.68, while also earning a personal best in the long jump with a mark of 4.69 meters (15' 4.75").  

"Emily and Ben are outstanding leaders and teammates for our program. They work so hard, lead by example, and I cannot think of two more supportive people on the team. They always encourage and display terrific sportsmanship and want everyone to do the best they can." said Coach Colello.