The biggest meet of the season for the track and field teams is right on the horizon: the Mid-American Conference championships. Judging by the team's performance this weekend at Cornell, it's peaking at just the right time in preparation for it.
The Bulls traveled to Ithaca to compete in the Marc Denault Invitational, which would serve as a tune-up for the Bulls in preparation for the championship meet next week. Buffalo traveled light for this trip – leaving behind most of its roster – but the competitors that made the trek had career days.
Junior thrower Kristy Woods led the way for Buffalo, earning Field Athlete of the Meet honors. Her highlight came in the weighted throw, where she tossed a personal best 61-10.50 feet, blowing past her previous best by over four inches.
Woods was not finished setting personal records either, as she later would go on to win the women's shot put, throwing 50 feet. Sophomore thrower Rachael Roberts finished second in the event, throwing for a personal best of 47-10 feet.
The Bulls' throwing prowess wasn't limited to the women's squad either. All–MAC performer Rob Golabek has led the way for the Bulls for much of his career, and this meet was no exception. The senior finished on top of the shot put once again for Buffalo.
The invitational was not a scoring meet but there were several teams there and they were served noticed on Saturday, as the Bulls had a great showing in other events besides throwing.
Junior Tomarris Bell had his best performance of the season in the triple jump. He shattered his previous best by four feet when he jumped 46-10.25 feet. Bell also competed in the men's 60-meter dash and finished seventh.
Coach Vicki Mitchell feels as if the dedication and focus during practice time is what has led to some Bulls breaking out and really doing well in the later stages of the season.
"I think the team is really seeing the results of the hard work and are really coming together," Mitchell said. "The harder they want to work the better they are, and I know the coaches are very pleased with the team and how it is progressing."
Even though the Marc Denault Invitational had no technical winner, the Bulls can count this as a victory in several respects. The invitational served as an opportunity for struggling members to regain confidence, and for others to work out some flaws in their technique. And while some were getting back into the groove others were getting much needed rest before next week's big competition.
"For the athletes that didn't compete today that rested this weekend, that just means they are extra fresh, hungry, and prime for next week's competition," Mitchell said. "It's good for the several people who were competing weekend after weekend to just have a mental refresher so they can go into that conference meet refocused and ready to work hard."
The Bulls have never won the MAC Indoor Championship before, but with the team hitting its stride so late in the season, Mitchell and the rest of the Bulls are hoping that changes this year.
Email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
