Five From W&M Compete at NCAA East Regional

05/25/07 10:00PM

GAINESVILLE, FLA - William and Mary’s men’s track team opened the NCAA East Regional on Friday with three athletes in the 800m and a pair of harriers in the 5,000m. Individuals who finish in the top five of their events earn an automatic bid to the NCAA meet, while those who finish in the top-12 are eligible for an at-large bid.

800m Results
5,000m Results

In the 800m, sophomore David Groff (Centreville, Va.) was the top Green and Gold finisher, crossing the line 18th overall in 1:51.15. Junior Matt Warco (McMurray, Pa.) was 21st in 1:51.94, and sophomore Ryan Jones (Harrisburg, Pa.) crossed in 1:53.85.

Senior Keith Bechtol (Alexandria, Va.) held the lead in the 5,000m race for a little under two laps in the evening’s nightcap, but finished out of the top-12 in 14:34.21. He is still a strong candidate to receive a bid to the NCAA Championships, however, as his provisionally-qualifying 10,000m time of 28:55.57 ranks 19th nationally among all collegians. Junior Ian Fitzgerald (Glenshaw, Pa.) also toughed out an exceptionally warm Florida evening to finish in 14:50.96.

W&M will continue in competition at the Regional tomorrow, with CAA Champion Alex Heacock (Lititz, Pa.) looking to advance in the javelin throw and four Tribe harriers spoiling for the 3,000m steeplechase.