Yale Athletics
With the Ivy League Championships right around the corner, the Yale men’s and women’s track and field teams are both hungry for victory and gearing up for success.
For the men, sprinter Marcus Woods ’23 has spearheaded the charge. He has broken record after record, and his ability will be crucial for the team’s success. In spite of his recent arrival to the Ancient Eight, Woods has shown both his teammates and his opponents that he is here to win and will not settle for less.
His teammates have also demonstrated their immense ability this season. Trenton Charles ’22, Chris Colbert ’22, Allen Siegler ’20 and Will Laird ’21 have brought in many points throughout the season in the 60-meter, the 400 and the 1000 races, respectively. In addition, field athletes like Andrew Rochon ’21 and Jack Dunn ’22 can have a huge impact on the overall score. Still, captain Kyle Macauley ’20 explained that maintaining a group mentality is essential for everyone to perform well as individuals.
“We have put together a great season so far,” Macauley said. “We have gotten better every meet and continue to perform well across every event group. Not only have we been winning events, but doing so with great marks. We need to continue to be confident and aggressive at the league meet to be successful. Especially on a flat track, it is essential to control races and run to win. We need to be sharp on day one to make finals and then come back day two ready to win.”
The women’s team has also had an outstanding season, with performances across the board. Building upon her successes in the fall, as well as earlier during the indoor season, Kayley DeLay ’21 has impressed in the mile. Teammate Jane Miller ’20 has also placed well in the 3,000-meter, winning her most recent race. She is closing out her Yale track career with a series of impressive performances.
In the 4×800 event against Harvard and Princeton, the runners showed that they have what it takes to take down Ivy League teams: It’s a matter of determination.
“We have also proven ourselves in competition against other Ivy League teams, which should give us confidence going into this upcoming weekend and outdoor season,” pole vaulter Erin Gerardo ’21 said. “We know that we are competitors, and the season so far has helped us to gain that confidence. In order to be successful this weekend the team will just need to trust our training, be excited and confident and, most importantly, go out and be competitors.”
Gerardo has been a key member of the team this season, not only continuously bringing in points, but also improving week in and week out. Her personal best of 3.90 meters is the second best at Yale and should benefit the team this coming weekend.
The Ivy League Championships can determine both teams’ seasons. In order to achieve their goals, the athletes must rely on their experience, shaking off any nerves about the big day.
“In the Ivy League there are so many talented individuals in every event that at a meet like Heps whoever shows up on the day will be the one to take the win,” Gerardo said. “That is what makes the sport so exhilarating, but also what puts our team in a position to be successful.”
The Ivy League is up for grabs, and if the Bulldogs stay focused, the title could be theirs. The first round of the Championships takes place in Ithaca on Saturday, Feb. 29.
Rehan Melwani | rehan.melwani@yale.edu