The Binghamton University men’s and women’s track teams competed at the Penn Relays and the Cornell Invitational this past weekend, concluding the meets with mixed results.
The lone highlight for Binghamton at the Penn Relays came from freshman Robb Quiller, the younger brother and fellow pole-vaulter of the Bearcats’ first and lone NCAA Division I champion, former Bearcat Rory Quiller. Robb Quiller earned fourth place in the Eastern region of the pole vault with a mark of 16-0.75. Afterward, Binghamton head coach Mike Thompson commented on Quiller’s efforts.
“He didn’t look very good, but he made it on pure determination,” Thompson said.
Following the Penn Relays, the Bearcats participated in the Cornell Invitational, where they compiled three first-place finishes. Freshman Eric VanAernam finished first in the pole vault and met the IC4A standard with a jump of 15-9. Quiller placed second with an identical jump height.
Thompson was extremely pleased with the results displayed by his young pole vaulters, although he felt the performances could have been better.
“The height was OK, but they jumped really well and I was glad to see it,“ he said. “I was hoping for higher heights, but they did a great job.”
Bearcat sophomore Jesse Fuca competed in the 400-meter hurdles and recorded the other top finish for the men. Fuca’s winning time of 54.68 edged out runner-up Kevin Burrall of St. Lawrence, who achieved a time of 55.50. Other notables for the men included freshman Nelson Hall, finishing second in the high jump with a height of 6-04.75, and sophomore Christian Smith, placing second in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 55.54.
On the women’s side, junior Jasmine Hinson captured the final first-place tally for the Bearcats. Hinson contributed in the 400-meter dash and achieved a time of 56.35. She easily defeated Lock Haven’s Cassie Snider, whose final time was 57.90. Freshman Michelle Eberhart placed second in the triple jump, and junior Krystelle Patrice finished third in the 100-meter dash.
Thompson felt the women were on the top of their game and looked solid in the final event before the America East Championships.
“They looked great — Eberhart got a PR,” he said. “They really look like they’re in good shape for the championships this weekend.”
Binghamton is scheduled to host the America East Championships this Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. at the East Gym Track Complex.