MEDFORD – The Tufts University men's track & field team hosted its first meet of the year on Saturday and won out of six total teams. The Jumbos scored 172 points and narrowly defeated second-place Springfield College (170).
Harry Rienecker-Found (pictured) had the top performance for Tufts in regards to a national ranking as his 6'6 ¼" (1.99m) PR in the high jump was 12th nationally as of late Saturday afternoon. Jumbo Drew Svoboda had a top-30 mark of 6'2 ¾" (1.90m) in the event as well.
The Jumbo 4x400-meter relay had a strong debut for the 2021-22 season. The foursome of Alex Lemieux, Marcus Hardy, Jackson O'Toole and Luke Botsford combined for a 3:29.23 mark that was #19 nationally. They won the race out of eight teams.
Botsford's 51.19 in the 400 meters was also a national top 40 mark early in the season and won the race. The Jumbos also had a pair of triple jumpers with strong early-season performances as Tommy Bhangdia went 43'7" (13.28m) and Alex Zsikla recorded a 42'11" (13.08m). Those marks were 39th and 46th in the national rankings, respectively.
Willy White in the 60-meter hurdles (8.56) had a good showing for the Jumbos with a #33 ranking. In his throwing debut, Petey Lemmon's 46'1 ¼" (14.05m) in the shot put was also in the DIII top 50.
In addition to their parts with the 4x4, Hardy won the 600 meters (1:25.30) and O'Toole was first in the mile (4:35.75).
Tufts competes at Wheaton College's Lyon Invitational next Friday.
