Kerry Phelan ’16, Staff Writer
Since Merrimack Track and Field’s first debut as an NCAA Division II sport in 2010, head Coach Matt Pimentel has been slowly building the team to be a well- rounded squad. As Merrimack Indoor Track team enters it’s third year, their training is paying off. When the Merrimack Men took first place out of nine teams at the Southern Maine Invitational on Saturday January 26.
Leading the Warriors, was graduate student Ian Weaver who placed first in the high jump with a distance of 1.73 meters while placing third in the 200m. His brother, Ethan Weaver also had a successful day with a second place finish in the 400m. Senior Artis Holt claimed second in the 55meter dash behind freshmen Denzel Livingston who won the race in 6.68.
Aside from Livingston, sophomores Louis Cruz and Sherif Ali won their events in the 1000m and 3K. Ali set a school record in the process with a time of 8:54. Freshmen Conor Clark and Adam Gidley also exhibited strong performances, placing top 5 for the 800m and mile respectively.
“Considering the limited amounts of athletes we have on the team, winning this meet was certainty an accomplishment.” said Ethan Weaver.
With a win behind them, the future of both the men and women’s track team looks hopeful.
The women’s team placed second in the Benyon Invitational the week prior.
“As a new program winning our first meet certainly is a step in the right direction, it is truly a milestone for the program and we only look to make strides from here” stated Coach Pimentel.
Next up for the Warriors is the BU Valentines day Invitational on February 9th.
