Iona’s DeSouza, Manhattan’s Kocienda, and Rider’s Castronovo and Riches Claim First Geico Indoor Track & Field Weekly Awards
Men’s Track Performer of the Week
Joshua DeSouza, Iona
So., Brampton, Ontario/Marguerite D’Youville
Joshua DeSouza placed second in his heat and 19th overall in the 5,000-meter Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University Tennis & Track Center. His time of 14:09.03 is a new Canadian U20 Record. DeSouza also currently leads the MAAC in the 5000-meter by 26 seconds.
Women’s Track Performer of the Week
Sophia Castronovo, Rider
So., Emerson, NJ/Emerson
Sophomore Sophia Castronovo picked up where she left off last year with a solid performance for the Broncs at the Fastrack Season Opener. Castronovo finished second in the 400 with an ECAC-qualifying time of 56.83. It is the second-fastest time in the event in program history and the top time in MAAC by 1.5 seconds. She also ran anchor leg on 4x400 relay that came in third. The Bronc relay quartet has the top time in MAAC by 11 seconds.
Men’s Field Performer of the Week
Nicholas Kocienda, Manhattan
Sr., Seaford, NY/Seaford
Kocienda won the men's weight throw at Army's Crowell Open on December 7, hitting a distance of 18.53 meters, a personal best. He bested his previous weight throw PR by 0.63 meters and is currently ranked 26th in DI indoor performances for the event. Kocienda also placed fifth in the men's shot put at the meet, hitting 13.51 meters.
Women’s Field Performer of the Week
Allie Riches, Rider
Fr., Horsham, PA/Hatboro-Harsham
Freshman Allie Riches had an impressive collegiate debut for the Broncs last week at the Fastrack Season Opener. Riches won the pole vault with a clearance of 3.65m (11 feet 11.75 inches). It was a Rider program record, an ECAC-qualifying mark and the top jump in MAAC by 1 foot 9 inches.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 39
th year of competition during the 2019-20 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.