Men's Track and Field Picked Second in Outdoor Preseason Poll
The Central Connecticut men's track team was picked second behind defending champion Wagner.
Three-time defending champion Wagner was predicted to finish first in the NEC once again, voted on by the league's head coaches. CCSU received the three remaining first-place votes and looks to reign on The Sehawk's last parade this year with some key returners. Wagner is eyeing its eighth track & field trophy since 2020. Central Connecticut is seeking its first NEC championship since winning four straight title from 2014-17. Stonehill was picked third, followed by Saint Francis U and Merrimack in that order. The order of the final four teams in the poll was Sacred Heart (sixth), LIU (seventh), FDU (eighth) and Le Moyne (ninth).
The Blue Devils will host this year's NEC Championship in New Britain Connecticut for a two-day event that takes place on May 4-5.
KEY RETURNERS:
- Jacob Ireland and James Sullivan each placed in two different events at the 2023 meet. Ireland took home the gold in the 800m and 1500m, while Sullivan won the silver in the 10,000m and the bronze in the 5000m.
- Senior Yankarlos Diaz placed second, in the 3000m steeplechase, senior Edward Williams Jr. placed second, in 110 mH, and sophomore Gabriel Kwarteng took second in the 800m.
- The Blue Devils also return distance ace Samuel Whittaker, named the 2024 NEC Indoor Most Valuable Performer.
- In the field events, senior Logan Ratcliff looks to defend his javelin title from last year along with junior Kyle Wimbish who will aim to return to the podium in the high jump.