UTICA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Track and Field program continued their steady upward trajectory in a strong showing at the Blue and Orange Invitational & Multi, hosted by Utica University.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Blue and White continued to sharpen their form in preparation for the Empire 8 Indoor Championships later this month, competing against several conference opponents in their final tune-up before the postseason.
The men's 4x200 relay opened the morning on a high note, posting an Empire 8 qualifying mark. The quartet of Cody Bazemore (Bel Air, Md.), Jaiden Deacon (Valley Stream, N.Y.), Patrick Conteh (Salisbury, Md.), and Isaiah Sanon (Suffern, N.Y.) shattered their own program record—set just one week earlier at Nazareth—clocking a 1:33.73 to place fourth overall, narrowly missing the regional qualifying standard by just .23 seconds.
Erik Higgins (Buffalo, N.Y.) turned in a strong showing in the distance events, securing an Empire 8 qualifying mark in the mile with a time of 4:45.05 before doubling back to punch his ticket in the 800 meters with a 2:03.39 effort.
In the 400 meters, Basil Metz (Highland, N.Y.) and Will Mensah (Cliffwood, N.J.) narrowly missed Empire 8 qualification, with Metz crossing in 55.03—just .03 seconds shy—and Mensah following closely at 55.16.
First-year Shane Hunte (Rosedale, N.Y.) impressed in the 200 meters, posting an Empire 8 qualifying time of 23.33 seconds. Fellow first-years Deacon and Sanon also delivered strong performances, finishing in 23.73 and 23.79 seconds, respectively.
On the women's side, Brynita Haas (Red Creek, N.Y.) represented the Blue and White in the Invite 3000 meters, crossing the line in 11:11.57 after having already secured her Empire 8 qualifying mark at Nazareth the previous week.
Cody Bazemore continued his dominant sophomore campaign in the field events, breaking his own long jump record after tying his previous career mark last week. Bazemore soared to a winning mark of 7.00 meters (22 feet, 11 ¾ inches), securing the event victory and rewriting the program record once again.
RESULTS
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will head to back to Utica for the Pioneer Fast Trax Invitational on Saturday, February 14th at 2PM.
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
