Matt Cain- Contributor
The Owls hosted their first outdoor meet on their new track and turf field. After a spectacular weekend competing in Texas, the Owls would come back to their home track and compete against top conference opponents.
The Wilton Wright Invitational saw the Owls finish second out of ten competing teams. There were still promising performances from some key contributors to the team. Thrower Adelino Daveiga, a senior, took home first place in the hammer throw, while his fellow throwing teammate, Bernardo Mbaya, a graduate student, took home second.
It was an overall good day for the field events. Most of the Owls’ points came from Mbaya and Daveiga in the throws as well as thrower Christopher Bon Tempo, a freshman, who placed 10th in the hammer.
This would be Bon Tempo’s outdoor debut, as he was redshirted during the indoor season. The Owls would then show up on the track as well.
This invite was geared to the athletes that did not get a chance to compete over the weekend in Texas. Most of the runners that competed were younger guys. Runners Alex Cole, Noble Parker and Dylan Horkey, freshmen, all of whom competed in 800-meter and placed in the top fourteen.
The 800-meter would be one of few stacked events. This event has depth from the distance and middle-distance runners. With the freshmen taking the ninth, 12th and 14th spots.
Jermey Rivera, a sophomore, took first place in the event, as this is his second meet of the season, at 1:56.17. Following Rivera was his training partner Besufekad Opstrup, grabbing the third spot with a 1:58.44.
The Owls have had athletes in almost all the track events. The Owls had bodies in the 1500-meter run, 5000-meter run and competed in the sprints as well. With the owls returning from three big meets over the weekend, managing to have a successful meet with primarily younger athletes. Therefore, proving that the Owls are still a dominant force in the conference.
As the outdoor season goes on, the Owls will look to stay focused and hope to complete the same goals as they did in past seasons. Even though the season is still young, they will compete at home two more times this season.
Then, it is time for the conference, which will also be held at the Owls home field. The season geared up last week, but the Owls are already in mid-season form.
The next outdoor meet will be out of state facing top talent. The Owls will look forward to having another successful meet out of state.
