BOSTON, MA – 13 Highlander track & field athletes traveled to Boston University to compete in the David Hemery Valentine Invitational on February 11-12. In a meet that highlights several Olympic medalists and a banked track, it's a prime opportunity to improve on personal best marks. Friday's highlight was Amanda Burrichter running a huge personal best of 10:23.19 in the 3,000m run, which is the top Empire 8 mark by almost 20 seconds. On Saturday, Malcolm Smith set new program records in the 60m (7.24) and 200m (22.58), which both sit in the top 3 of the Empire 8.
 
Coach Hager remarked, "This is our third year going to this meet. It's quite chaotic, but the athletes really enjoy the environment. We saw two North American records, by Olympic athletes. What a fun chance to really experience track & field at it's finest. I think this trip rejuvenated everyone, and helped them to realize there's something deep in their gut that can help increase performance. We hope to bring that out again in two weeks at the E8 Championships."
 
Friday:
Amerrah Horne-Vaden, 60m 8.08, 200m 26.43
Alexandria Wisniewski, 400m 62.22 (E8 #9)
Mary Shaker, 400m 62.89 (E8 #13)
Amelia Brown, 400m 62.97 (E8 #14)
Haley DeJager, 400m 64.63 (E8 #18)
Tabitha Clark, 800m 2:27.06 (E8 # 6)
Amanda Burrichter, 3,000m 10:23.19 (E8 #1)
Hayden Williamson, HJ No Height (Currently sits at E8 #1 with 1.56m)
4 x 400m – 4:17.06 (E8 #4)
 
Saturday:
Malcolm Smith, 60m 7.24, 200m 22.58 (E8 #3, E8 #2)
Jack Howard, 400m 52.17, 200m 23.56 (E8 #8, E8# 13)
Collin Nasso, 400m 54.51, 200m 24.68 (E8 #16, E8 # 39)
Brennan Lewandowski, 200m 23.52 (E8 # 11), HJ 1.81m
James Eustace, 800m 2:04.60 (E8 # 15)
 
The Highlander track & field teams will be back in action on Friday, 2/18 at Nazareth College.