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| Matthew Manteiga's long jump today was his indoor career-best |
MEDFORD – Seniors Anthony Kardonsky and Hiroto Watanabe of the Tufts University men's indoor track & field team put themselves into contention for the NCAA Championship meet with the times they ran at the Tufts National Qualifying Meet on Saturday at the Gantcher Center.
The event was an opportunity for individuals and relays to improve their national qualifying chances for the last time. Many took advantage, as over 40 teams had representatives at the meet. Most were from New England, but some came from as far away as Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
The 2019 NCAA Division III Indoor Championships are next weekend (Mar. 8-9) at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.
Kardonsky ran a time of 22.20 seconds on Tufts' flat track, which converts to a 21.81 time on a banked track for national qualifying purposes. Currently ranked 22nd, he is on the bubble to be one of the 20 qualifiers depending on final declarations for the NCAA meet.
Watanabe improved his mark in the 800 meters to a converted 1:52.51 (1:54.11 flat), which ranks 19th nationally. As of 9 pm Saturday night he is within the top 20 requirement to qualify.
Senior Josh Etkind in the 60-meter hurdles was unable to improve upon his qualifying time today, but his 8.18 season-best is ranked 15th nationally and should get him into the meet.
Additionally, senior Colin Raposo – who did not compete today – has the #14 mark in the mile (4:09.82) and should get in.
Senior Benji Wallace did not improve his season-best pole vault mark of 15'5" (4.70m) today and is just outside of the qualifying group at #22.
Senior Tom Doyle posted a national top 40 time in the 400 meters today with a 49.93 that converts to a 49.15. Sophomore Matthew Manteiga hit a season-best of 22'3 ¾" (6.80m) in the long jump. Kardonsky matched his season-best in the 60 meters at 6.98 seconds, as did freshman Nicholas Delaney in the 800 (1:56.79).
