The Binghamton University men’s and women’s track teams are set to head to Boston this weekend to compete in the America East Indoor Track and Field Championship. The Bearcats, along with most other teams, have one goal: stop University at Albany.
The Great Danes have swept the AE Championships for two consecutive years, capturing titles on both the men’s and women’s side. The men have won seven consecutive titles.
Albany’s men’s squad was predicted to finish first in the conference when the America East coaches voted prior to the start of the season. The Great Danes possess plenty of talent and will look to earn the crown behind the strength of their distance runners. Senior Paul Lagno has the AE’s third-best time in the mile run this season (4:01.86), and 2011 Track and Field Scholar Athlete of the Year senior Peter Rowell will look to repeat in the 500.
But if Binghamton’s potential overshadows Albany’s in any field, it is distance running. Fifth-year senior Erik van Ingen, one of the nation’s top collegiate runners, will represent the Bearcats along with junior Jeff Martinez, who posted a third-place finish in the 5,000 in 2011.
On the women’s side, the Bearcats will look to improve on an eight-place finish in last year’s AE championship. Junior Jessica Hennig will represent Binghamton in the 400, an event she won at the AE championship last year with a time of 55.69
Binghamton will rely heavily on its field athletes, including pole vaulter Jenna Marrione. The junior is the top qualifier in the pole vault (12’3.5”).
The America East Indoor Track and Field Championship will extend through the entire weekend, starting with the women’s pentathlon, scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning.