REGIS TRACK OPENS UP SEASON WITH BIG PERFORMANCES

Weston, Mass. -- The Regis College Indoor Track & Field Team competed in its season opener this weekend at the Reggie Lewis Track Center. The Pride wasted no time setting school records and qualifying two athletes for the Indoor Division III New England Track and Field Championships.

In the women’s meet, Tori Rapsis (Nashua, N.H. /Nashua) started things off by setting the school’s first record in the pole vault while simultaneously qualifying for the D3 New England Track & Field Championship with a vault of 9 ¼. Rapsis is adjusting to new poles and advanced technique training this season. This should only improve the Pride’s inaugural vaulter as she progresses through the season. Other highlights in the women’s meet included sophomore and co-captain Ana Baker (Hartford, Conn./Weaver) setting a new best in the 55-meter dash with a time of 8.39 seconds. Freshman Sarah Schow (Northborough, Mass. /Algonquin Regional) started her collegiate career with a personal best in the mile (6:36.93).  Fellow co-captain Kate Haslam (Atkinson, N.H./Timberlane) finished in the 800 with an indoor personal best time of 2:45.81.

Later in the day the Pride competed in the men’s track and field events. The men’s squad had a solid performance with freshman Bobby Ryan (Reading, Mass./Reading) setting the school’s first record in the event with a toss of 34 feet 8 inches. This was a great start to Ryan’s rookie season. Ryan is adjusting to the heavier 16 pounds NCAA regulation shot and will continue to excel as the season progresses. The Pride was led by a tandem of freshman who performed brilliantly in their debuts. Adam Heathman (Newbury, Vt./Oxbow) and Lucas McCann (Framingham, Mass./Marian)  competed in the 500-meter dash. Heathman, a 200/400 specialist and McCann, a 600/800 specialist, met in the middle for some over-distance/speed training for their respective events. Both athletes fought hard in their heats as Heathman set a school record and qualifying mark for the D3 Indoor New England Championship with a time of 1:08.23 followed by McCann who posted a 1:12.04. Upper classmen highlights included Nathan Fagundo (Newton, Mass./Boston Trinity Academy) setting a new personal best in the shot put and Yash Shah (Waltham, Mass./Waltham) leading the men in the 55-meter dash.

The Pride will be back in action for one more meet before the semester closes this Saturday (Dec. 11) at the Harvard Invitational.