By Nicholas Cousins
The Plattsburgh State track and field team got down to business this weekend at the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference Indoor Championships at The Armory track and field facility in New York City. It had been more than a decade since Plattsburgh State made an appearance at The Armory and the team was excited for the challenge.
Four members from each squad represented Plattsburgh in this year’s regional event. Aislyn McDonough placed 18th in the 800m run with a time of 2:22.31 and four total points, Marissa LeDuc placed 22nd in the Women’s Long Jump with a distance of 4.97 meters and one point, Michaela Schaffer placed 17th in the women’s triple jump with a distance of 10.71 meters and two total points; and Kaitlyn Bjelko placed 12th in the women’s shot put with a distance of 11.80 meters and two total points.
As for the men’s team, Brexton Montville placed 14th in the men’s 60m dash with a final prelim score of 7.07 and four total points, Montville also placed 24th in the men’s 200m dash with a final score 22.62 and four total points, Charles Cypress placed 26th in the men’s 400m dash with a final score of 51.16 with four total points. Noah Bonesteel placed 14th in the men’s mile run with a final time of 4:20.52 with one point. Justin Kumrow placed 22nd in the run with a final time of 4:30.79 with two total points.
Head Coach Andrew Krug said he had “mixed feelings” about the event. Although things didn’t go their way with results, Krug said the team understands that experiences such as these at big events is the way that everyone is going to grow and continue to improve.
“You always want things to go great for athletes and wish things went better for ours. it’s hard to put up every week so it’s just great to see everyone progressing and getting more experience through competition,” Krug said.
Montville admitted he could’ve done better but was thankful for the experience of getting to compete in one of the most iconic indoor track and field venues. Krug also pointed out that it was great to see a bigger group be able to represent Plattsburgh this year and hopes the program keeps continuing to grow with new recruits, whether indoor or outdoor.
With the outdoor season approaching in the next couple of weeks, Krug said the time leading up to that is crucial in terms of preparation and focus. With the team showing overall improvements in distance, Krug said the team must continue to build momentum and can’t wait for the different events and warmer weather.
Montville said he cannot wait for outdoors which he says he is more comfortable in. With hopes to make nationals, Montville is looking to defend his title in the 100m run and improve on his second place outing in the 200m run at the NCAA.
Jessica Landman said she is excited as well for outdoors and is excited for the throwing events and long distance running that will be taking place. Indoor was fun, but Plattsburgh is going to continue their season outside.
Nevertheless, it has been a great year for McDonough and Bjelko. Both were named All-Region by the USTFCCCA after being ranked first in the Mideast Region. McDonough ranked first in the 800m run and Bjelko ranked first in the shot put.
