UTICA, NY - Utica University's men's track and field team opened the 2026 indoor season Friday night at the Utica Winter Opener inside the Hutton Sports & Recreation Center, highlighted by a program record, multiple event victories, and significant movement on the program's all-time performance lists. Freshman Aaron Johnson delivered the headline performance of the night in his collegiate debut, clearing 4.45 meters in the pole vault to set a new indoor program record. The Pioneers return to action quickly, taking one day off before traveling to Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday for the Suffolk University Ice Breaker.
On the track,
Tanner Warren (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) captured the 500-meter title with a winning time of 1:06.13, moving him into second place all-time in program history, while
Nolan Flynn (Bethel, CT/Bethel) followed with a 1:06.81 finish to climb to fourth all-time. Utica added another event win in the field as freshman
Logan Hewitt (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) claimed the shot put with a personal-best throw of 14.11 meters. The middle-distance group also made a strong early-season statement in the 1,000 meters, led by
Tobias Jeralds (Canaan, NY/Chatham Central), who crossed the line in 2:35.97 to move into fourth place on Utica's all-time list. Teammate
Forest Martin (Poland, NY/Poland Central) followed with a 2:38.36 performance, good for ninth all-time, while freshman
Killian Bauer (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherill) turned in a solid debut effort in the event.
In the weight throw, Utica placed two athletes atop the field, with
Spencer Borghardt (Smithtown, NY/St.Anthony's) winning the event at 17.10 meters and
Joshua Talbot (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) finishing second at 17.05 meters, both meeting AARTFC qualifying standards.
Michael Blenis (Norwich, NY/Norwich) rounded out the throws highlights with a personal-record mark of 14.20 meters. The Pioneers also recorded competitive performances across the sprints, distance races, and relays, closing the meet with multiple PRs and season-opening benchmarks as they continue the indoor schedule.
Utica track and field returns to action in two days when they travel to compete in the Suffolk University Ice Breaker. The event will be hosted at The Track at New Balance in Boston, Massachusetts, with action set to begin at 9:00 am.
