The snow is gone and outdoor track and field is on

Graduate Student David Harvey running hurdles.

As the season shifts from indoor to outdoor for the Castleton men’s and women’s track teams, the goal for Coach Jay Condon and the program remains the same.

“We’re looking to carry our momentum from the indoor season into the outdoor season. Three fourths of the team registered personal records at the LEC conference championship meet, which was exciting, but our goal is to still compete for the LEC championship,” Condon said.

With a handful of veterans returning and a few underclassmen stepping up during the indoor season, Condon is looking to build upon an already talented group of athletes.

“The leadership on our team has been pretty consistent, so we’re looking to count on older guys like Wayne Alexander, David Harvey, Brandon Ryan, Zach Durr, Ben Reid, and Harrison Leombruno-Nicholson to continue to set the standard for our program,” Condon said.

Condon also has high praise for the women’s leadership throughout this year.

“Shay Lawerence, Danielle Solomon who is a quiet individual but someone we can count on being a two-time LEC pole vaulter, and even Kaitlin Bardellini who’s only been with us for one season but she brings a lot to the table,” Condon said.

With a team of young rising stars and seasoned veterans, Condon said Castleton is looking to build upon their late season success.

In addition to the young nucleus and seasoned veterans, the team is also excited to see the potential of newcomers Carter Mackey and Luna Perry-St. Peter.

“Carter Mackey has potential in the high jump and hurdles. Luna Perry-St. Peter I think has the ability to become a good javelin thrower. Seeing both Mackey and St. Peter throughout the offseason work, I can tell they’re both hard workers, which will help our team moving forward,” Condon said.

Coming off an impressive freshman stint, Macalyster Perry is looking to strengthen his case for being one of the best athletes in the LEC conference after being named to LEC All-Rookie Team. Perry set the bar high for himself being a key contributor for the Spartans this indoor season. He secured four top-five finishes across seven meets. But Perry is unsatisfied with his latest performances, knowing that there’s always room for improvement.

“He fell short of making New Englands, the hurdle cut off was 8.80 but Perry ran an 8.85 so I feel like he’s got a lot to prove and he’s definitely gonna go out and perform with a chip on his shoulder,” Condon said.

Because of the long list of personal records registered at the LEC conference championship meet in January, Condon believes there are more to be broken. In all facets of the sport, whether that be in the hurdles, throws, or sprints, he is amped to see his athletes possibly rewrite history.

“David Harvey has something to prove in his last few meets of his career in the 110 hurdles. Ben Reid has something to prove in the shot put, both Harrison Leombruno-Nicholson and Gwyn Tatton have something to prove in the javelin, and Shay is inching closer to the 100 meter record,” Condon said.

Both the men’s and women’s 2023 outdoor season will consist of five meets going into the LEC conference championship on April 29. They open up the season in Newburgh, New York at Mount Saint Mary College Saturday March 25. The men and women’s teams are looking to make strides over the next couple months after placing eighth in LEC championship for the women and seventh for the men.

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