YPSILANTI, Mich. – The University at Buffalo track and field team had an exciting performance on the final day of the 2017 Indoor MAC Championships. The Bulls named five conference champions at the event, and took home second place overall for the men, and the women tied for fifth overall.
The men had their best performance at MACs in program history, with their highest placing ever. The men also had six individual conference champions, and took the conference title in the 4X400 relay. Joshua Gali was a star for Buffalo, earning three gold medals. Gali blew his competition away in the 200m clocking in at 21.39, nearly one second faster than the second place finish. His time of 47.51 in the 400m also earned him first place. Gali shone through on the 4X400 relay. Gyasi Morris led off for the Bulls, keeping the lead for most of his race. The hand-off to Gali came in dramatic fashion, and Gali was able to catch the baton and surge to an enormous lead for the team. Craig Kaiser and Mitchell Moore brought it home for the team and earned the gold with a time of 3:17.61.
Kaiser was also a gold medal winner. He was able to use his expertise from cross-country and transition it onto the track. Kaiser clocked in at 1:53.59 in the 800m for the gold. The Bulls also saw first place finishes from Ryan Billian and Michael Morgan. Billian proved to be a driving force for the Bulls, taking first in the 60H with a time of 7.88 and fourth in the 60m dash. Michael Morgan came off his red-shirt season to make a statement. Morgan competed in his first Heptathlon in two years, and took the gold with a score of 5439.
The women had several great performances. Christine Lyttle finished fourth for the Bulls in the 60HH with a time of 8.55. Stephanie Ward took fifth in the 3000m with a time of 9:40.88. Emma Siuciak took sixth in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.68m. Freshman, Crystal Henderson took sixth in the triple jump after jumping a distance of 12.00m.
“It was amazing to see the team effort that was shown at the tournament; from cheering to performing. Our men’s team placed highest in program history in the overall placing, which we couldn’t be more proud of. We’re happy with what we did, but aren’t settling for this. We’re looking to make an even bigger impact in the outdoor season.” Said Head Coach Vicki Mitchell.
The Bulls outdoor season begins March 24 when they travel to Richmond, Va. for the Fred Harvey Invite.
from UBBulls.com via IFTTT
