Junior Sean Dristile Sets Another School Record
The ESF men's and women's track teams traveled to SUNY Geneseo's "Early Season Invitational" on Sunday April 2nd. The full meet was originally scheduled for Saturday April 1, but was turned into a 2 day meet (Sunday/Monday) following a postponement due to weather. The Oaks elected to only participate in the Sunday event that featured mainly distance races.
"Taking student athletes out of class for this early season meet was the last thing I wanted to do. Academics are our primary focus and the team does really well managing the two. We had a few of our sprinters who did not get to participate, but they will be ready for the next one," said Coach Melfi.
The Mighty Oaks came home with numerous personal bests and great finishes in a meet that featured NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3 schools.
The highlight of the day was in the men's 1500, where Junior Sean Dristle (fresh off his 3k indoor school record in February) was able to notch another spot in the record book. He finished an impressive 23rd place out of 89 competitors with a time of 4:07.18 taking down the school record set last year by his teammate, Matt Frame.
"In that 1500 heat, we had Sean, Matt Tripp (4:08.88) and Matt Frame (4:09.82), all within 2 seconds of each other. 1 of those guys were going to break the record," said Coach Melfi.
The women were led by Sophomore Savannah Kuhr who ran her first 1500 ever and placed 33rd place out of 76 competitors in the 1500 meter (5:12.52). Also in the 1500 were 2 first years, Marissa Civatte (5:31.45) and Maura O'Brien (5:35.71).
"Marissa and Maura have improved so well and in such a short time. They have only run cross country, never track. So what they are doing is incredible. They work hard and have very bright futures," said Coach Melfi.