March 11, 2006

Fayetteville, Ark. - The Villanova University men's and women's track and field teams competed on the first day of the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships yesterday.

On the first night of competition at the NCAA Championships in Fayetteville, Ark., the men's DMR captured third place in a highly competitive field. The relay was extremely crowded, with 12 teams packed on the 200m track, rather than the traditional 10. Freshman Sean Tully led the team off with a solid 2:59, just shy of last week's 2:57, for the 1200m.

Freshman Elvis Lewis took control next and split 48.1 for the 400m leg handing off to junior Drew Eckman toward the back of the field. Eckman maintained his position with a 1:49.1 800m split. Then it was up to sophomore redshirt Bobby Curtis, who after trailing the field for most of the race, rallied well in the final 300m to catch and nip Georgetown at the line for third place, splitting 4: 01.8.

Coach O'Sullivan was very pleased with the overall performance saying, "When you think back two weeks ago our goal was to make the NCAA, reevaluating that quickly after the Notre Dame qualifier, they quickly prepared themselves for the national championships. Indeed it is a young team and the experience they have gained tonight will be invaluable for the next 3 years. I think we will see some terrific racing from this group of guys along with our new additions joining the class next year."

The women's DMR finished in 6th place, despite running without top anchor leg Marina Muncan, who is resting for the final in the women's mile this afternoon. Akilah Vargas lead the team off with a thrilling leg, handing off in second place in a time of 3:24. Tiera Fletcher continued the progress and split 53.8 for her 400m leg. Arusha McKenzie, getting off to a great start, faded in the final stages of her 800m leg and split 2:13. Frances Koons received the baton in 10th place but pulled the team back into 5th place. That effort took its toll, and she had to settle for a 6th place finish, still good enough for All-American honors.

Coach Gina Proccacio was pleased with the result. "For Vargas, McKenzie, and Koons this is their first trip to the NCAA and with this in mind I think they performed admirably," noted Procaccio. "They have gained much from tonight, and I think they can only go forward."

Marina Muncan qualified comfortably for today's final in the mile by winning her heat in a time of 4:42.85. She will be the second seed.

Story and photos courtesy of Andrew Blaich.