Bulls Show Potential In Season Opener At Akron

Friday, December 1

Akron, OH

4pm

Akron Haynes Lancaster Open

Bulls Show Potential In Season Opener At Akron

12/1/2023 8:55:00 PM | Track and Field

AKRON, OHIO – The University at Buffalo Track & Field team opened the season on Friday at Akron University's Haynes Lancaster Open, competing against the Zips, Roberts Wesleyan, Walsh and Wooster. The season-opening event had no team scores.

"This was a low-key meet for our team that provided a nice opportunity to get back on an indoor track for the first time since last February," said Head Coach Vicki Mitchell.

MEN'S EVENTS
In the men's 400 meter dash, the Bulls had four runners place inside the top eight. Sophomore Brandon Robinson took first place, with a time of 48.80. Robinson not only won the 400m dash for Buffalo, but his personal best time ranks eighth all-time for UB in the indoor 400m.

The Bulls battled against the Zips in the 60-meter dash, with the two teams combining to take eight of the top nine spots. Jermain Ewers placed second for the Bulls, covering the 60 meters in 6.92 seconds. Jean Desir (4^th, 6.95), Sam Mellinger (6^th, 7.01) and Brian Murphy (7^th, 7.07) followed for the Bulls.

In the shot put, Jonathan Surdej grabbed a first-place finish for Buffalo, with a mark of 17.22m. Bradley Johnson (5^th, 14.44m) and Caleb Nickens (6^th, 14.12m) also placed well for the Bulls.

Nickens also had a second-place performance for Buffalo in the weight throw, with a mark of 18.22m.

"We had a few standout performances for our men's squad," said Mitchell. "Mike Parks was strong in the 60HH (8.23), as well as Johann Matzal in the 1000m (2:30.14). Chris Turner had a 4:27.63 mile and Calvin Finger performed well in the high jump (6'2.75")."

WOMEN'S EVENTS
On the women's side, the Bulls performed well in the high jump and triple jump.

In the high jump, the Bulls had the top three finishers, with Zahra Amos taking first (1.70m), Scilla Benussi placing second (1.59m) and Adriana Ellsworth finishing third (1.54m).

In the triple jump, Kara Moran (2^nd, 11.32m) and Emily Tait (3^rd, 11.21m) had podium finishes, with Amari Hall (4^th, 11.09m) placing just outside the top-three as well.

Moran also had a strong performance in the high jump, tied for a first-place finish, with a mark of 5.57m.

On the track, the Buffalo women shined in the one-mile run, taking four of the top five spots. Allison Newton placed first for the Bulls, completing the mile in 5:21.63. Lacey Danilovitz then took second with a 5:23.55 mile.

"Our women had a large group of freshmen making their collegiate debut across all events," said Mitchell. "The veteran women led the way, with Amos winning the high jump, and Newton taking first in the mile. We have a lot to build on from today."

Click here for all results.

UP NEXT
On Saturday morning, three Bulls will compete at Boston University's Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener, going against some of the best competition in the northeast.

For more coverage of Buffalo men's and women's track & field, follow the program on X (@UB_XCTF), Instagram (@BullsTFXC) and Facebook ("Buffalo Track & Cross Country").