Alexander Breaks 5,000 Record at New England Championships

Sophomore Sam Alexander placed third in the 5,000 meter run to lead Central Connecticut State University at the New England Indoor Track and Field Championships on Friday. Alexander crossed the line in 14:48.13, breaking the CCSU school record for the indoor event. He topped teammate Ry Sanderson's time of 14:51.69 set at last year's Northeast Conference Championships.

The Blue Devils earned 6.5 points to stand in 12th place out of 24 scoring teams during day one of competition in Boston. UConn leads the way with 27.5 points. Central will finish competition on Saturday.

Freshman Aaron Radden qualified for finals action in both the 55 meter and 200 meter dash. Radden, who earned Most Valuable Performer at this year's NEC Championships, crossed the line in 6.54 seconds in the 55 meters. He also broke his own school record in the 200, recording the best time of the day (21.61 seconds).

Junior Josue Paul also qualified for tomorrow's 55 meter dash, finishing the event in 6.60 seconds. Sophomore Michael Waterbury also qualified for Saturday competition, as his time of 2:31.80 was the seventh fastest of the day.

Sophomore Matt Berube tied for eighth in the long jump, recording a distance of 21 feet, eight inches. In the final event of the day, the CCSU distance medley relay team placed 10th in a time of 10:17.96.