Katzgrau and Morro Meet at The Lehigh Valley Championships
XC and Track Alumni News
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Katzgrau and Morro Meet at The Lehigh Valley Championships |
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| BETHLEHEM, PA (September 3, 2004) - Former Pope John teammates and 2004 classmates, Katelyn Katzgrau and Franny Morro, met in the Lehigh Valley Championships - the first collegiate cross-country meet for both women. Katzgrau runs for the Kutztown University Golden Bears, while Morro runs for the Lafayette College Leopards. Morro finished second for her team, and sixth overall, helping lead the Leopards to a first place finish. | |
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Justin Scheid Makes College Debut
THE PLAINS, VA (September 11, 2004) - Justin Scheid, arguably the greatest runner in Pope John history, made his college debut for Georgetown University at the Great Meadows Invitational. Scheid helped the Hoyas to a second place finish behind Duke University, placing eighteenth in a time of 21:03.29. Scheid will run next at the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University on September 25th.
Paul Short Invitational Will Feature Several PJ Alumni
BETHLEHEM, PA (September 25, 2004) - The Paul Short Invitational race at Lehigh University is the first collegiate race of the season where teams can begin to accumulate qualification points for ECAC and NCAA Eastern Regional championships. This attracts many entries from some of the top college XC teams on the Eastern seaboard. The race will feature several PJ alumni. In the College Men's race, Justin Scheid will be running for the Georgetown University Hoyas. In the College Women's race, Sam Beese will be competing for the University of Richmond Spiders, Franny Morro will be running for the Lafayette College Leopards, and Kaitlyn Katzgrau will be wearing the purple and gold of the Kutztown University Golden Bears. The men's race starts at 10:00 AM, with the women to follow at 10:45 AM.
Morro Helps Lafayette Women Defeat Archrival Lehigh
BETHLEHEM, PA (September 19, 2004) - Franny Morro placed third for her Lafayette College team, and fifth overall, to help lead the Leopards to a 24 - 34 victory over archrival, Lehigh University. The Lafayette women placed six runners in the top ten, allowing them to capture the Brian Mundy trophy. This circulating award is held by the winner of the dual meet for one year. The Lafayette - Lehigh rivalry is the oldest in college athletics, dating back to 1881.
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| The Lafayette College Women's XC Team receive the Brian Mundy Trophy for winning the Lafayette-Lehigh dual meet. Pope John alumna, Franny Morro, is fourth from the right. |
C. DeVasto and Her Citadel Team Take Third at the Citadel Invitational
JAMES RIVER PARK, CHARLESTON, SC (September 25, 2004) - Christine DeVasto finished third for her Citadel team as the Bulldogs placed third at the Citadel Invitational behind Furman University and the College of Charleston. A sprinter and mid distance runner by trade, DeVasto's time of 20:59.55 is her best time of the season.
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| Christine DeVasto |
Pope John Alums Perform at the Paul Short Invitational
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, BETHLEHEM, PA (September 25, 2004) - Justin Scheid (Georgetown), Katelyn Katzgrau (Kutztown), Franny Morro (Lafayette), and Sam Beese (Richmond) all made appearances at the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University. Scheid placed 14th in the Men's Open 8k. Katzgrau was 152nd in the Women's Open 6k. Morro, running in a pack with her team, placed 125th, in the Div. 1 Women's Invitational 6k. Beese was injured and unable to run, but she was very visible and vocal in support of her former schoolmates.
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| Justin Scheid | Katelyn Katzgrau | Franny Morro | Sam Beese |
Cathleen Cavanaugh's Season Comes to a Premature End
FAIRFIELD, CT (October 5, 2004) - In her four years at Pope John, Cathleen Cavanaugh was known for her dependability and enthusiasm. Surely she brought these attributes to the Fairfield University Cross-Country program. Unfortunately for Cathleen, her premiere season at the college level came to a premature end due to a stress fracture in her foot.
As difficult as it is to deal with a season-ending injury, Cavanaugh has experienced this before and she knows how to come back. Her goal is to compete in triathlons, and she is determined to accomplish this. I'm sure that she views this injury as just a temporary setback. Come back soon Cathleen!
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| Cathleen Cavanaugh |
Katzgrau Competes at Desales Invitational
DESALES UNIVERSITY, CENTER VALLEY, PA (October 16, 2004) - Katelyn Katzgrau ('04) helped her Kutztown University JV women's squad to a second place finish at the Desales University XC Invitational today. She finished in 41st place in a time of 29:14.87. Katzgrau is fighting an assortment of minor injuries that have hampered her debut season for the Golden Bears.
Scheid Helps Hoyas to Third Place Finish at NCAA Pre-Nationals
INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, TERRE HAUTE, IN (October 16, 2004) - The Georgetown University Hoyas took third place in the Men's Blue Division race at the NCAA Pre-Nationals today, with Justin Scheid ('04) competing for the first time as one of the Hoyas top seven runners. Running with one of the premiere programs in the nation, Justin finished 203rd of 256 runners in a time of 26:24.9. Rod Koborsi led Georgetown with a 6th place finish in 24:11.2.
Morro Leads Lafayette at Leopard Invitational
LAFAYETTE UNIVERSITY, EASTON, PA (October 16, 2004) - Freshman Frances Morro ('04) was the first finisher for the Lafayette Leopards, and was 18th overall, in leading her team to a third/fourth finish in the Leopards own invitational run today. Ivy League foes Columbia and Princeton finished first/second, tied with identical scores of 29 points. Lafayette and St. Joseph University finished tied for third with scores of 114 points each. This is the first time that Morro has led her team this season, and her time of 22:13.40 sets-up she and her team for the Patriot League Championships scheduled for October 30th at Bucknell University.
Otto is Two-Sport Performer at Catholic U
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, DC (October 20, 2004) - Javelin thrower, Jon Otto ('04), came out for PJ track in his junior year as a way to stay in shape for his first sport, soccer. He turned out to be a pretty decent javelin thrower, qualifying for the Meet of Champions in his senior year. Jon took his throwing and soccer talents to Catholic U, and is currently one of the Cardinals leading defenders on the men's soccer team. He is averaging about 45 minutes per game and is usually assigned to defend the opponent's best offensive player. Jon intends to throw in the spring.
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| Jon Otto | In action against Marymount U. |
Devon (Moran) Day ('98) Announces Birth of First Child
SALEM, OR (October 28, 2004) - Devon (Moran) Day ('98), an outstanding 400m and 800m runner while at Pope John, and her husband, Shawn, announced the birth of their first child, Ryan Connor, on August 23, 2004. Devon is an elementary school teacher and Shawn is a newspaper reporter for the Statesman Journal of Salem, Oregon. Ryan was 8 lbs. 5.6 oz. and 20 inches at birth, and obviously has a full head of red hair.
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| Ryan Connor Day |
Georgetown With Scheid Finish Second at Big East Championships
BOSTON, MA (October 29, 2004) - The Georgetown University Hoyas finished second, one point behind the University of Notre Dame, to finish second in the Big East Men's Cross-Country Championship. Georgetown Freshman and PJ alumnus, Justin Scheid ('04), finished 48th overall, and 10th in the Freshman class rankings, finishing in 25:26, a 5:07 mile pace.
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| Justin Scheid at the Big East Championships |
Lafayette Women With Morro Finish Seventh at Patriot League Championships
LEWISBURG, PA (October 30, 2004) - The Lafayette College Leopards finished a disappointing seventh in the Patriot League Championships on a hilly, rainy, mud-soaked, Bucknell University course. Footing was so difficult, that many women fell during the race. Lafayette freshman, and Pope John alumna, Frances Morro ('04), finished 44th overall, second on her team, and 9th in her class rankings. Morro finished in 24:27.75, a 6:33.7 mile pace. Early predictions called for the Leopards to finish in fourth or fifth place. The biggest disappointment of the day was finishing behind archrival, Lehigh University, the sixth place finisher. Lafayette defeated Lehigh in their two previous meetings this year.
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| Lafayette Team at the start of the Patriot League Championships | Franny Morro finishes strong |
PJ "Knobs" Survive First Semester at the Citadel
CHARLESTON, SC (October 22 - 24, 2004) - Reports from the families of Chris Seabold ('04), Christine DeVasto ('04), and Matthew Haight ('04), are that the three first year Citadel students are doing well and surviving the "Knob" experience. As at all military academies the academic and physical demands are rigorous, so it is great news to hear that Matt, Chris and Christine have adjusted. All three students are training for indoor track, and Christine has completed her first XC season. As proof that they are still alive and smiling, Mrs. Seabold sent along the following picture. We're all proud of you kids. Hang in there!
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| Christine DeVasto, Chris Seabold, and Matt Haight. Wait, those uniforms aren't PJ issue! |
Track Alumni Preparing for Collegiate Indoor Season
SPARTA, NJ (November 24, 2004) - All of our collegiate athletes are on Thanksgiving break - which means that most of them are at home and are paying visits to the old alma mater. Teachers and coaches look forward to seeing the kids and catching-up with their college doings.
Christine DeVasto ('04), Chris Seabold ('04), and Matt Haight ('04) were extremely happy to be on furlough from the Citadel. According to all of them, the knob year is tough, but they are doing well. The three athletes are also getting ready for their first collegiate indoor track season. DeVasto, who is coming off a successful cross-country season, is a multi-eventer; Seabold is a sprinter; and Haight is a middle-distance man.
Cathleen Cavanaugh ('04) has recovered from her early season cross-country injury, and she competed in Fairfield University's last three meets, finishing in the top seven in all of them. She is trying out for the school's ski team this winter.
Jerod Hitzel ('02) of the Coast Guard Academy is getting ready to run the 200 m sprint and 400 m run, as well as compete on the Bears' 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays teams. Now in his junior year, Jerod is looking to improve on his outstanding sophomore season. Further down the coast, Sam Beese ('02) is captaining her Richmond University team. After missing the cross-country season due to injury, Sam was redshirted and is looking to get back into competition in the distance events. Sam's personal best in the 5000 m is 19:27.14. She is majoring in Leadership at Richmond, one of the few universities in the nation offering this increasingly popular discipline.
Senior Captain George Peterson ('01) of the Fordham Rams is looking to cap off his indoor career with a big season. George will compete in the 55, 100, and 200 m sprints, along with the sprint relays. This writer is particularly fond of George, both of us being Fordham men, so an extra special good luck is extended his way. Peterson is majoring in communications with a minor in business.
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| Jerod Hitzel ('02), hands the baton to his teammate at the Penn Relays | Kelly McWilliams ('03) |
Several other athletes are tying the laces on their indoor shoes for the first time this winter. Justin Scheid ('04) will be running the distance events for the Georgetown Hoyas. Frances Morro ('04) will likewise compete in the 5,000 and 10,000 m events for Lafayette College. Both runners are coming off successful cross-country seasons. Scheid worked hard all season to get into the top seven for the Hoyas, one of the top cross-country teams in the nation, while Morro ran in the top three for the Leopards in every meet, finishing first for her team on her home course in the Leopards Invitational. Katie Bieganousky ('04) will look to get her college career started at the University of Connecticut as fast as she finished her high school career. Katie will compete in all of the sprint events, but will specialize in the 200 and 400 meter events. Rob DeVasto ('04) will likewise begin his sprinting career for the Cabrini College Cavaliers.
Also beginning their freshman campaigns will be Ashley Moorman ('04) who will compete in the shot put for the Susquehanna University Crusaders to get ready for the javelin in the spring, and fellow thrower Jen Kramer ('04) who will be putting the shot for the University of Delaware Blue Hens. Kramer is likewise getting ready for the outdoor season when she'll be throwing the discus and the hammer. Jumper, Samantha Spence ('04) will begin her inaugural season for the Gettysburg College Bullets. She will compete in the long jump and triple jump, and the short sprints. Coming off the cross-country season, Katelyn Katzgrau ('04) will run the mid-distance events for the Kutztown Golden Bears. Finally, high school All-American Michael Carhart ('04), will be running the 400 m and 800 m for the Seton Hall Pirates.
Other alumni who will be competing this winter include Dan Bodner ('03), who will throw shot for Susquehanna, and teammate Joe Luscik ('01) who will compete in the mid-distance events. Kelly McWilliams ('03) will continue to run the sprints for Emory University . She comes off a very successful freshman year. Sean O'Brien ('01) will finish his distance career for the Williams College Ephs, while his brother, Kevin O'Brien ('04) will begin his mid-distance career for the Bentley College Falcons.
2004 Alums Have Mini-Reunion at Passarelli Relays
WEST POINT, NY (December 19, 2004) - Ten members of the Track & Field class of 2004 met at the Passarelli Relays to watch the debut of the new crop of PJ athletes. For many of the group it was the first time that they have seen each other since the beginning of their new college experiences. Several had a vested interest in coming to the meet - many of their younger siblings are on the current team. Katie Bieganousky (UConn) came to see her sister Carolyn ('07); Christine DeVasto (Citadel) and her twin brother Rob (Cabrini) saw their sister Jackie ('06) throw the shot for the first time; Chris Seabold (Citadel) watched his brother Dave ('07) compete; and Justin Scheid (Georgetown) came to see how Jeremy ('07) was doing. One alumna from the class of 2002, Samantha Beese (Richmond), came to see two of her siblings compete, Julia ('06) and Nick ('08).
Other alumni in attendance were Matt Haight (Citadel), Franny Morro (Lafayette), Katelyn Katzgrau (Kutztown), Ashley Moormann (Susquehanna), and Katherine Hamon (North Carolina State).
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| Men Top Row: Matt Haight, Justin Scheid, Chris Seabold, Rob DeVasto |
| Women Bottom Row: Franny Morro, Katelyn Katzgrau, Ashley Moormann, Christine DeVasto, Katie Bieganousky, Katherine Hamon |
Seton Hall's Carhart Makes His College Debut at Fordham Invitational
ARMORY TRACK & FIELD CENTER, NYC (January 7, 2005) - Michael Carhart ('04) made his indoor track college debut at the Fordham Invitational a notable one by placing second in the 400 meter dash in a time of 49.69. Overall the Seton Hall men placed fourth out of fourteen teams competing at the meet, scoring a total of 64 points.
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Mike Carhart |
The meet also gave Carhart the opportunity to visit with fellow PJ alumnus, George Peterson ('01), a sprinter and team captain of the host Fordham Rams. Peterson did not compete due to a minor injury.
Seton Hall Athletic Site Recap
Bieganousky, C. DeVasto, Katzgrau, Morro, and Seabold Run Their First College Races
TRACKS THROUGHOUT THE LAND (January 16, 2005) - Several alums ran their first college races in the past few weeks. The following is a quick summary of how they performed.
Katie Bieganousky ('04) made her University of Connecticut debut at Brown University's Alden Invitational on December 4th. She competed in both the 200m (19th - 27.98) and 400m (11th - 1:03.72) dashes. In speaking with her over the Christmas break, Katie B. advised that better things were to come - she's just starting to get in shape.
At the Clemson Indoor Opener on December 3rd, Christine DeVasto ('04) competed in the 400m dash for her Citadel team. She was the top performer for her school, placing 28th in 1:07.57. She also ran the opening leg on the women's 4 x 400 relay. Christine also had the opportunity to visit with Kelly McWilliams ('03), whose Emory University team was at the meet. Kelly ran the second leg on Emory's 4 x 400 relay.
At the men's Clemson Indoor Opener on December 3rd, Chris Seabold ('04) had a great debut for his Citadel Bulldogs. He anchored his 4 x 400 relay team to an eighth place finish in a time of 3:31.18, and placed 19th in the 400m dash (53.90).
Franny Morro ('04) ran her first races for the Lafayette College Leopards at the Albany University Invitational on January 16th at the 168th Street Armory. She placed ninth in the mile (5:36.92) and ran on the 7th place 4 x 800 relay team (10:11.95).
Finally, Katelyn Katzgrau ('04) opened her indoor season for the Kutztown University Golden Eagles, competing in the Kutztown Invitational on January 15th. She finished the 800m run in 2:58.51.
Collegiate Results - Week Ending 1/23/2005
Here is a recap of the results from the past two weeks:
On January 17 at the Great Dane (SUNY - Albany) Invitational held at the Armory Track & Field complex, Mike Carhart ('04), running for the Seton Hall Pirates ran a 50.35 400m to place eighth. At the same meet, Frances Morro ('04) competing for the Lafayette Leopards, placed ninth in the mile (5:36.92) and ran the third leg of the 4 x 800 relay that placed seventh in a time of 10:11.95.
On January 18 at the University of North Carolina Fast Times Meet in Chapel Hill, NC, Christine DeVasto ('04) ran the 1200m leg of the Citadel Bulldog's DMR team that placed third in a time of 14:11.22. Her classmate, Chris Seabold ('04), running for the Citadel men, ran the third leg of the sixteenth place 4 x 400 relay (3:38.81).
On January 21 at the Susquehanna University Invitational in Selinsgrove, PA, Joe Luscik ('01) of the host Crusaders ran a 2:23.08 800m. His teammate, Dan Bodner ('03), placed sixteenth in the Shot Put with a throw of 33' 9". At the Niswonger Foundation Invite held at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, Kelly McWilliams ('03) of the Emory University Eagles, ran a 29.31 200m, then followed that race with a 1:05.77 400m. At the same meet, Christine DeVasto ('04) of The Citadel ran the 200m in a time of 28.92, the 400m in 1:04.15, and the 800m in 2:54.04.
On January 22 at the GoRhody Invitational in Kingston, RI, Katie Bieganousky ('04) ran very well for the UConn Huskies helping her team to a first place finish. She placed 11th of twenty-six in the 400m in a time of 1:01.77, eleventh of twenty-six in the 200m in a time of 27.28, and her third place 4 x 400 team finished in a time of 4:12.13. On the same day at the Coast Guard Invitational in New London, CT, Jerod Hitzel ('02) had a great meet for the host Coast Guard Academy. He took first place in the 200m in a time of 23.07, then led his 4 x 200 team to another first place finish in 1:36.05, helping the Bears to the team victory. The results were not as favorable for Frances Morro ('04) and her Lafayette College team as they lost to their archrival Lehigh in their annual dual meet, 99 - 82. Morro placed fifth in the 1000m in a time of 3:19.1, then ran the third leg of the winning 4 x 800 relay which finished in 10:09.4.
Collegiate Results - Week Ending 1/30/2005
On January 28 at the Tarheel Invitational at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Chris Seabold ('04) placed thirty-third in an international field, ran the 400m in 53.94 for The Citadel Bulldogs. Also participating in the same meet and running for The Citadel women, Christine DeVasto ('04), was timed in 1:05.47 for the 400m.
All of the following meets occurred on Saturday, January 29.
At the Boston University Terrier Classic in Boston, MA, a loaded international field was gathered. Pope John alumni were well represented. UConn's Katie Bieganousky ('04) placed thirty-third in the 400m, clocking in at 1:01.86. She was also part of the eleventh place 4 x 400 UConn "B" team that finished in 3:59.29. Mike Carhart ('04) took eleventh place in the 500m for his Seton Hall Pirates, running a pretty quick 1:05.86, then following-up with a leg for the sixth place 4 x 400 relay (3:18.39). The highest PJ Alumni finisher was Jerod Hitzel ('02) of the Coast Guard Academy. Jerod placed fifth in the 200m dash in a time of 22.54.
At the Bison Open Meet on the campus of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, Samantha Spence ('04) had a tremendous day for herself and for her Gettysburg College Bullets. She placed tenth in the long jump with an ECAC qualifying mark of 16-7. She followed that performance with two Centennial Conference qualifying marks, leaping 31-4.5 in the triple jump and sprinting to a 8.52 finish in the 60m dash. Also at the Bison Meet, Joe Luscik ('01) of the Susquehanna University Crusaders ran his 800m event in 2:16.88. Other alumni in attendance at the meet, but not competing, were Ashley Moormann ('04), and Dan Bodner ('03) of Susquehanna University, and Rob DeVasto ('04) of Cabrini College.
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| Ashley Moormann, Sam Spence | Rob Devasto, Sam Spence, Ashley Moormann, Dan Bodner | Joe Luscik |
| Photos of the Bison Open Meet provided by Ashley Moormann | ||
Lehigh University's John Covert Classic in Bethlehem, PA, saw two of our alumni set college personal records in four events. Jess Mugavero ('01) of the Sacred Heart University Pioneers took twelfth place in the 200m in a time of 28.63, then followed that performance with a sixth place finish in the 400m, clocking in at 1:04.0. Not to be outdone, Jen Kramer ('04) of the University of Delaware Blue Hens took tenth place in the shot put with a personal record throw of 32-10.5. She followed that with another college PR, tossing the weight 31-5.75.
Frances Morro ('04) and her Lafayette College Leopards participated in the Armory Invitational at the Armory Track & Field Complex in NYC, where she placed seventh in the 5000m run in a time of 18:54.88.
Finally, Mike Carhart ('04) and his Seton Hall team traveled from Boston back to the metropolitan area to compete in the Metropolitan Indoor Championships on Sunday, January 30 at the Armory. In that meet Michael placed seventh in the 400m run in a time of 50.49.
Collegiate Results - Week Ending 2/5/2005
Our weekly update of Alumni Collegiate results takes us up and down the East Coast, but by far the largest and most prestigious of the meets was the Armory Collegiate Invitational in New York City. This meet is run in conjunction with the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden, so some of the top college teams were in attendance including South Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, and Villanova. Two PJ alums competed at the Armory - Mike Carhart, running for the Seton Hall Pirates, clocked in at 50.51 in the 400m, placing 30th of 51 in the event, and running in her first collegiate 3000m, Frances Morro of the Lafayette College Leopards placed 21st of 37 in a time of 10:42.53.
The Coast Guard Invitational run on February 5th in New London, CT, featured PJ alum and one of the Academy's own, Jerod Hitzel. Hitzel placed second in the 55m High Hurdles in 8.06. Also on February 5, Kelly McWilliams and her Emory University team competed at the Carolina Classic hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC. McWilliams, a javelin thrower getting in shape for the outdoor season, ran the 400m in 1:06.15.
Finally, at the Frank Colden Invitational held at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA, Samantha Spence helped lead her Gettysburg College Bullets to the team championship, placing second in the Long Jump with a leap of 16-3.25, and placing eighth in the Triple Jump (31 - 4.75). Also competing at the Colden was Rob DeVasto, of Cabrini College, who ran 7.1 in the 55m dash, following that with a time of 24.62 in the 200m.
More results next week when we report on a jam-packed college schedule.
Collegiate Results - Week Ending 2/13/2005
This week we saw a relatively light college schedule, but there were some important meets nonetheless. The Northeast Conference held their conference championships in Landover, MD at the Prince Georges Sports Complex (the site of the Nike Prep Championships), and Jess Mugavero ('02) figured prominently for her Sacred Heart University Pioneers. On Saturday 2/12, Jess qualified for the finals of the 400m with at time of 61.93. She finished eighth of twenty-eight in the competition. On Sunday 2/13, Mugavero ran the 400 meter leg on the Distance Medley Relay team that finished in second place (12:37.48). Overall, SHU finished sixth in the NEC.
In other action, Jen Kramer ('04) threw the shot 31-9 to finish sixth for the University of Delaware Blue Hens in their Thomson Invitational held at Dover, DE on 2/11. Unfortunately, Jen failed to register a mark in the weight throw, fouling on all of her throws.
On 2/12 at the Susquehanna Invitational in Selinsgrove, PA, Sam Spence ('04) continued her outstanding freshman campaign in helping to lead her Gettysburg Bullets to a first place finish. Spence finished first in the Long Jump with an ECAC qualifying leap of 16-9.25. She followed that with a fourth place finish in the 55m dash in a time of 7.65, and a fifth place in the Triple Jump with a mark of 31-4.75. Representing the host school at the same meet were Dan Bodner ('03) who placed 13th of 33 in the shot put with a toss of 36-1.5. Also competing for the Crusaders was Joe Luscik ('01) who finished twenty-first in the 800m with a time of 2:16.54.
The United States Coast Guard Academy met their archrival, Bowdoin College, in their annual dual meet on 2/12 at New London, CT. Junior Jerod Hitzel ('02) was instrumental in helping the Bears secure the team win (103 - 75), by winning both the 200m (23.11) and the 400m (51.83). Also competing in New England was Katie Bieganousky ('04) and her University of Connecticut Huskies. At the Boston University St. Valentine Invite held on 2/11 and 2/12, Katie finished 58th of 104 in the 200m with a time of 26.91, then followed that up with a time of 1:00.35 in the 400m, forty-second of 78 in the event. Katie is obviously mending nicely following her leg injuries as these times represent her best of the season. Watch out UConn when she is completely healthy.
The Citadel Bulldogs competed at the Clemson Tiger Invitational in Clemson, SC on 2/11 and 2/12. Christine DeVasto ('04) ran the 800m for the first time this season, finishing 35th of 53 in a time of 2:34.83 for the Bulldog women. For the men, Chris Seabold ('04) ran 53.28 in the 400m to finish thirty-fourth of 49, while his classmate Matt Haight ('04) made his indoor debut in the 800m finishing twenty-third of 46 in a time of 2:03.68. Seabold and Haight then combined to form two legs of Citadel's 4 x 400 relay. Seabold ran the opening leg and Haight ran the anchor helping to bring the Bulldogs an eighth place finish in a time of 3:34.12.
Kelly McWilliams ('03) and her Emory University Eagles competed at the Christopher Newport Invitational at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on Friday and Saturday, 2/11 - 12. Kelly's time in the 400m was 1:06.32, good enough for 10th place, while her 4 x 400 relay team finished second in a time of 4:13.62. McWilliams ran the third leg of that race.
Collegiate Results - Week Ending 2/20/2005
The Big East Conference Championships, Patriot League Championships, and the New England Division III Indoor Championships highlighted the action this past weekend, and the Pope John graduates who participated in these competitions acquitted themselves very well.
The New England Division III Indoor Championships were held in Boston, MA on the campus of Tufts University on February 19th. Jerod Hitzel ('02) had a great day for the Coast Guard Academy Bears. In the 200m dash Hitzel finished sixth in a time of 23.0. He also helped his 4 x 400 relay team to a second place finish in a time of 3:24.07. Overall, the USCGA finished fifth of twenty-four teams. New England D-III Championships Complete Results
At the Big East Championships held in the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University on February 19 - 20th, Mike Carhart ('04) had his best performance of the season in the 400m for his Seton Hall Pirates. Carhart's time of 50.67 was good enough for 6th place, earning SHU a valuable team point. He also helped the Pirates to another point, running the second leg of the 4 x 400 relay that also finished sixth in a time of 3:21.42. Big East Complete Results
Lehigh University hosted the Patriot League Championships on February 18 - 20. In the 3000m run, Frances Morro ('04) placed 16th of 25 in a time of 10:56.41 for her Lafayette College Leopards. Her women's team finished in sixth place in the championships. Patriot League Complete Results
In non-championship competition, Emory University's Kelly McWilliams ('03) ran the 400m in 1:01.7, her best time of the season, at the Ohio Northern University Invitational. Her time was good enough for a 6th place finish in the meet. At the Susquehanna Open Meet at Susquehanna University in Selingsgrove, PA, Dan Bodner ('03) of the host Susquehanna Crusaders had his best performance of the season, throwing 37-9.50 in the shot put competition.
The Southern Conference, Centennial Conference, and PSAC Championships are scheduled for next weekend. Several PJ alumni will be competing in those meets.
Spence Concludes Sterling Indoor Season
Gettysburg College freshman, Samantha Spence ('04), ended her debut indoor season by saving some of her best performances for the championship season. It's apparent that she learned these lessons as a Lion - and used her high school experiences to benefit the Bullets.
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| Sam Spence (R), with fellow Lion classmate, Ashley Moormann of Susquehanna University |
At the Centennial Conference Indoor Championships held on February 26 and 27, Spence earned ten team points by placing seventh in the 55m dash in a time of 7.69 seconds, and by placing second in the long jump with a leap of 16-11.25. In her other individual event, Sam placed tenth in the triple jump with a hop, skip, and jump of 31-0.25. In addition, as a member of the Bullets' 4 x 200 team, Spence anchored the relay to a fourth place finish in a time of 1:52.23.
One week later at the Div. III ECAC Championships held at Newell Field House on the campus of St. Lawrence University, Sam placed fifth in the long jump by leaping 17-00.00, then anchored the 4 x 200 to an eighth place finish in a time of 1:49.70.
First Outdoor Results of the Year
This weekend, March 18 - 20, marked the kickoff of the 2005 outdoor season with several alumni competing in southern meets.
On March 18th Christine DeVasto ('04), Chris Seabold ('04), and Matt Haight ('04), all of The Citadel, ran at the Tarheel Opener at Chapel Hill, NC. DeVasto competed in both the 100m dash and 800m run. In the 100, Christine finished eighth in a time of 13.82. She followed that with a third place finish in the 800m with a time of 2:32.33. In the Men's 400m dash, Chris Seabold place ninth in a time of 52.24, while teammate Matt Haight likewise placed ninth in the 800m run. His time was 2:01.92.
At the UNC-Wilmington Seahawk Invitational, held on Saturday, March 19 in Wilmington, NC, Frances Morro ('04) of Lafayette College made her collegiate 3000m Steeplechase debut a memorable one. She placed second in the event in a time of 11:45.70, two-tenths of a second off the Lafayette record of 11:45.50. Morro will be specializing in the steeple this spring with Senior steeplechaser, and current school record holder, Mary Gillis, on the injured list. Franny has had prior steeplechase experience, qualifying for and competing in the Adidas National Scholastic Outdoor Championships in 2002.
There are many meets scheduled for next week, so keep tuned for results.
Outdoor Results For Meets Through 4/24/2005
I apologize for my tardiness in posting results, but early High School season news (and AP class preparation) have occupied most of my time. In any event, I will attempt to highlight results for the month of April in this article.
Emory University finished third at the University Athletic Association outdoor track and field championships at St. Louis University on April 24th, and Kelly McWilliams ('03) became an all-conference athlete with her third place performance in the Javelin (98-10). Congratulations Kelly!
Meanwhile, three of our alumni competed at the Leopard Invitational at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. Amanda Zappile ('01) of Muhlenberg College, George Peterson ('01) of Fordham University, and Frances Morro ('04) of host school Lafayette College, represented the Lions well. Morro started the day by finishing fourth in the 3000m steeplechase (11:41.32), a time slower than her Lafayette record (11:32.70), which she set in the dual meet against Lafayette archrival, Lehigh University, two weeks earlier. Peterson, feeling good after an injury-plagued indoor season, helped his Fordham University Rams to third place finishes and IC4A qualifying times in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays. George ran the third leg on both relays and looked like his old self. He informed this reporter that he has a job lined up after graduation and he's getting prepared for the real world. Finally, Zappile competed in the Javelin, but unfortunately did not mark, fouling all of her throws. Amanda is also getting ready for graduation and is looking for a job. Hey, older alums, help this young lady out!
On Saturday, April 23, Mike Carhart ('04) and his Seton Hall University Pirates traveled to Baylor University in Waco, TX, to compete in the Michael Johnson Classic. Mike placed 25th in the 400m (51.17). His split for the 4 x 400 B Team was 49.8. It also came to the attention of this reporter that Carhart has been competing since the indoor season with mononucleosis, a condition that certainly has hindered his performances. Keep working Mike and feel better!
Also on the 23rd, Chris Seabold ('04), Christine DeVasto ('04), and Matt Haight ('04), all of Citadel University, competed at the Irwin Belk Invitational at Davidson College. Seabold competed in the 400m run, finishing 15th in 52.48; Haight finished 14th in the 800m run in 2:02.26. DeVasto did not start in the women's 800m. Currently being trained in multievents, DeVasto has been training through minor injuries and fatigue all year. Meanwhile, at the Nittany Lions Relays at Penn State University, Ashley Moormann ('04) of Susquehanna University placed tenth in both the discus (93-06) and javelin (101-10), and Dan Bodner ('03), also of Susquehanna, placed twelfth in the shot put (39-5).
Finally, on April 16 at the Rider University Invitational in Lawrenceville, NJ, alumna Jessica Mugavero ('02) of Sacred Heart University and Jen Kramer ('04) of the University of Delaware, turned in some impressive performances. Mugavero placed fourth in the 200m (27.64) and was part the winning 4 x 400 relay (4:01.97). Kramer placed seventh in the discus (113-11) and fourteenth in the shot put (31-8.5).
More next week following Penn Relays.
Hitzel and Mugavero Lead College Performances This Week
Jessica Mugavero ('02) has had a terrific week for herself and her Sacred Heart University Pioneers. Starting on Sunday, April 24th at the Collegiate Track Conference Championships hosted by Desales University, Mugavero helped her team to a first place finish by placing in two events. She placed ninth in the 200m in a time of 27.64, then ran the second leg of the 4 x 400 relay for the second place Pioneers (4:10.34).
At the Penn Relays on Thursday, April 28, Mugavero and her teammates won the Collegiate Track Conference (CTC) section of the 4 x 400 meters relay in 4:03.49. It was the first win ever for Sacred Heart at Penn in the event. Jessica and her teammates returned to the track on Friday at Penn, and set a new school record in the 4 x 200 meters relay of 1:44.92, besting the old record of 1:45.58.
Finally, at the Yale Springtime Invitational on Sunday, May 1, Mugavero placed fifth in the 200m in a personal best 26.74.
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| Jerod Hitzel (behind) handing the baton to his CGA teammate |
Meanwhile, Jerod Hitzel ('02) and his Coast Guard Academy Bears traveled to the NEWMAC Championships at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Saturday, April 30th. Hitzel had two outstanding performances. In the 400 IH he won the event in a personal best and ECAC qualifying time of 55.89. He followed that with a fast third leg in the 4 x 400 relay helping himself and his teammates to a first place finish in another ECAC qualifying time of 3:23.14. Overall, the Bears placed third in the Championships.
At the Southern Conference Championships on April 30 - May 1 at Western Carolina University, the Citadel trio of Christine DeVasto ('04), Matt Haight ('04), and Chris Seybold ('04) and their Bulldogs teammates did not have their best days. Haight placed fifteenth in the 800m run (2:00.03), DeVasto placed thirty-first in the women's 800m (2:33.80), and Seybold took fourteenth in the men's 400m in a time of 51.37. His 4 x 400 relay team fared better, placing fourth in a time of 3:21.23.
Ashley Moormann ('04) of Susquehanna University had her best performance of her Freshman campaign, placing for the Crusaders for the first time at the Shippensburg Invitational on Sunday, May 1. Her throw of 110-6 was good enough for sixth place in the Javelin competition.
Finally, Jennifer Kramer ('04) and her Delaware University Blue Hens competed at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Invitational on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. Kramer was fifteenth in the discus with a throw of 99-10 and got no distance in the shot put as she continues to learn the spin technique in the small circle.
More next week with reports from the Patriot League and Big East Championships.
Moormann and Morro Perform Well at League Championships
(May 7, 2005) - Ashley Moormann ('04) and her PJ classmate Frances Morro ('04) both delivered point scoring performances for their schools at the MAC Championships and Patriot League Championships, respectively, this past weekend.
Susquehanna University freshman Moormann saved her best performance of the year when she placed fifth in the Javelin competition at the MAC Championships with a throw of 117-5. The meet was held at Widener University. Moormann was one of two Crusaders that placed in the top five. Her teammate Anna Cooper finished fourth with a throw of 119-6.
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| Frances Morro | Ashley Moormann |
Meanwhile at the Patriot League Championships, Morro scored the first points on the track for the host Lafayette Leopards by placing third in the 3000m Steeplechase in a time of 11:33.88. Earlier in the season, Morro set a new Lafayette record in the steeple, earning her the fifth seed in this league championship race. Morro's teammate, Lindsay Bryant, finished sixth in the race.
At the NEC Championships on the campus of Mt. St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD, Jessica Mugavero ('02) placed fifteenth in the 200m in a time of 26.40. Jess also ran the second leg of the 4 x 400 relay.
George Peterson ('01) completed his Fordham University career by placing tenth in the 100m (11.11) at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships held at the University of Richmond. He was also part of the fourth place 4 x 100 meter relay team that finished in 42.72. Congratulations to George for a fine college career. Also finishing her NCAA career was Amanda Zappile ('01) of Muhlenberg College. She and her fellow Mules won the Centennial Conference Championship for the first time ever, and Amanda contributed with a tenth place effort in the Javelin with a toss of 101-00.
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| Amanda Zappile and her Muhlenberg College teammates |
In non-championship competition, Jennifer Kramer ('04) of the University of Delaware had her best performance of the year, placing third in the discus with a throw of 116-02 at the Delaware Invitational II on the campus of UDel.
IC4A and ECAC reports next week.
Spence Jumps Her Way Into NCAA Regionals
SCOTTY WOOD STADIUM, MUHLENBERG COLLEGE (May 6 - 8, 2005) - Samantha Spence ('04) of Gettysburg College leaped 19-1.5 in the Long Jump at the Centennial Conference Outdoor Championships, a mark that automatically qualifies her for the NCAA Div. III Eastern Regionals.
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| Sam Spence (R) with Ashley Moormann ('04) of Susquehanna University at a meet earlier this season. |
Sidelined most of the season with nagging injuries, Spence had a remarkable coming out party at leagues. In addition to winning the long jump, Spence ran the opening leg of the winning 4 x 100 relay in an ECAC qualifying time of 49.93. She also placed fourth in the triple jump with a leap of 35-8.50, another ECAC qualifying mark.
Spence is the current holder of the Pope John record in the triple jump with a mark of 33-9.25, and she holds one record that can never be broken - she was the first Parochial A Triple Jump champion, winning in the debut year of that event.
On a less happy note, Jerod Hitzel ('02) of the Coast Guard Academy recently advised that he has been running only sporadically, and certainly not at his peak, due to a partial hamstring tear that he suffered a little over two months ago. Always a true Pope John guy, Jerod said, "... being a Pope John alum I should be running much faster". The PJ coaches reply: "Men who aren't as tough as you would have shut down for the season." Great job Cadet!
Spence Just Misses All-American Status
WARTBURG COLLEGE, WAVERLY IA (May 26, 2005) - Sam Spence ('04) just missed being named a Division III All-American at the NCAA Championships today. Her long jump of 18-2 1/2 placed her in ninth place in the nation, one placement short of the coveted All-American crown.
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| Sam Spence (R) displays her NCAA Northeast Regional Medal with teammate Sheron Walker |
It was a sensational freshman year for Sam, and one that portends a fantastic college career.
Morro Named to Patriot League Academic Honor Roll
LAFAYETTE COLLEGE, EASTON, PA (August 3, 2005) - Frances Morro ('04) and twenty-eight other members of the Lafayette Men's and Women's Track teams were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll today. In order to qualify for the honor, the student-athletes had to earn a varsity letter and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or greater.
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| Frances Morro, Lafayette College '08 |
Morro earned varsity letters in Cross-Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track while maintaining a GPA of 3.6 for the spring semester.
