April 14, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The warm weather proved to be successful for the Villanova men's track and field squad as they competed in the Miami Elite Invitational on Saturday, April 12. Several athletes qualified for the BIG EAST outdoor championships and improved on their standings.

Senior Patrick Gazzini turned in another impressive outdoor performance winning the 400m hurdles on Saturday. Gazzini crossed the finish line in an NCAA Regional qualifying time of 52.08. Junior Elliot Whaley ran a lifetime-best 53.17 in the event, to finish third and improve his standing in the BIG EAST.

Junior Elvis Lewis ran in his first open meet since the BIG EAST Indoor championships and finished fourth in the 400m with a time of 47.25. His time was just shy of an NCAA qualifying mark, but he did qualify to the conference championships. Sophomore Garret Kroner ran a BIG EAST qualifying time of 48.55 in the same event.

The Wildcats fared well in the 100m and 200m. Senior Kevin Okolie crossed the line in 10.66 in the 100m, notching a BIG EAST qualifying mark, but just shy of a regional qualifying time. He finished in 21.42 in the 200m, also good enough for the conference championships. Junior Austin Casey also obtained BIG EAST qualifying marks in both events, finishing in 11.08 and 22.18 respectively.

The combination of Lewis, Kroner, Gazzini and Whaley ran their fastest time of the season in the 4x400m relay, finishing in 3:11.93, earning second place overall and ending the meet on a high note.