Rhode Island Captures New England Championship

May 9, 2008

DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of Rhode Island captured the 2008 New England Outdoor Track & Field Championship, held at Atkins Track on the campus of the University of New Hampshire.

The Rams totalled 122 points in the victory. Connecticut was second, with 79 points, while Sacred Heart was third with 60.

In the second day of competition, three URI student-athletes won individual titles. Shawn Leonard won the high jump, clearing a height of 6-08.75. Yudehwheh Gbaa won the triple jump with a leap of 48-04.50. Derek Peterson took first in the discus, with a heave of 166-10.

Michael Bland finished second in the 100m dash, clocking 11.08 seconds. He also finished second in the 200m dash, in a time of 21.89 seconds. David Kennedy was eighth (22.44). Cameron Cormier (48.92) and Kennedy (48.94) were fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 400m dash.

Yudehwheh Gbaa finished second in the 110m hurdles, clocking 14.54 seconds. John Carstensen was fourth in the pole vault, clearing a height of 15-03, while Sean Strizzi was seventh (14-09). Ryan McCarthy was third (53-08.50) and Greg Borrelli (50-02.75) seventh in the shot put. McCarthy (149-09) and Tyler Adams (148-00) finished third and fourth, respectively in the discus.

Rhody's 4x400m relay was second, in a time of 3:16.85, while the 4x800m relay squad was eighth (7:49.82).