CLINTON, NY- The Utica University men's track and field team competed at the Hamilton Continental Invitational on Saturday, March 30. Despite the windy and lower temperatures, the Pioneers were still able to have great performances in all different event groups.
 
Freshman Bennett Melita (Johnstown, NY/Fonda Fultonville) once again stole the show. Melita added the 5000m to his collection of school records, clocking in at 15:13.92 to place second overall. That time smashes the previous record by 12 seconds and also qualifies him for AARTFC Regionals. The freshman also placed second overall in the 3000m steeplechase, with a regional qualifying time of 9:31.99 which places him third all time.  
 
In his first meet in almost a year, Kaiden McCaskill (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) took first place in the high jump with a personal best jump of 1.96m. That height gives him fourth all-time and punches his ticket to AARTFC Regionals. Cooper Jones (Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho) also competed in high jump and tied for third place with a height of 1.74m.
 
The men's team took two wins in the throwing events, won by familiar faces. Antwan Kelly (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) won the discus throw with a toss of 41.56m. As one would expect, Hunter Logan (Fort Plain, NY/Herkimer College) took first place in shot put with a throw of 15.67m, which is good for a ticket to AARTFC Regionals.  Just behind him in second was Billie Mays III (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy), throwing 14.28m.
 
On the track, Andy Hadasz (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) had himself a career day in the sprinting events. In the 100m, Hadasz placed second with a time of 10.76, giving him fourth all-time. The senior also took second place in the 200m, crossing the line at 21.72, which now puts him second all-time at that distance. Not only are these both personal bests, but also is good enough to qualify for AARTFC Regionals at both distances. Hadasz also competed in the 4x100m relay team along with Shane Tinney (Oriskany, NY/Oriskany), Ethan Kain (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) and Nolan Flynn (Bethel, CT/Bethel) who ran a 42.63 to take second place, and also clearing the regional mark. 
 
In the hurdle events, the Pioneers had top five finishers in both distances. In the 110m hurdles, Justin Valentin (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville) was fifth place with a time of 16.51. In the 400 hurdles, the Pioneers went three-four as Jonathan Simmons (Broadalbin, NY/Broadalbin-Perth) was third (59.76), and Tobias Jeralds (Chatham, NY/Chatham) was fourth (1:00.03). This was Jeralds first time running the event at the collegiate level. 
 
Freshman Connor Dean (Taberg, Ny/Camden) had a pair of top finishes in different event groups. In the 400m, Dean took fourth place crossing the line at 50.97. In the triple jump, the freshman was third with a jump of 12.55m. 
 
In the 10,000m, the team took four of the top five spots. Zachary Brown (Milford, NY/Milford Central) was second (34:04.21), Joseph Santiago (Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam) was third (34:33.47), Hayden Lohmann (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham) was fourth (34:52.18), and Ben Billinger was fifth (35:06.76) 
 
In the hammer throw, Spencer Borghardt (Melville, NY/St.Anthony's) took third place with a personal best throw of 45.83m. 
 
The Pioneers will return home to host the Pioneer Spring Invite beginning on Friday, April 5 and continuing on Saturday, April 6. Start times for each day are yet to be determined.