2016 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 2016 Roster Season Preview The Coast Guard Academy Coast Guard Superintendent Director of Athletics Athletics Facilities Strength & Conditioning Staff Directory
1 2 3 4-5 6 7 8-9 10 11
Coast Guard Soccer Coaching Staff Player Bios History
12-16 17-22 23
The 2016 Men’s Track & Field Media Guide is a publication of the Coast Guard Academy’s Athletic Media Relations Office.
MEN’S MEN’S TRACK TRACK && FIELD FIELD
www.CGASports.com
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INTRODUCTION
CREDITS
/CoastGuard AcademyAthletics @CoastGuardBears
CGA_Bears SENIOR MATT NAVETTA
CGASPORTS.COM
ROSTER
2016 ALPHABETICAL ROSTER Name
Year
Event
Hometown
Colton Atkinson Michael Bishop Andrew Brown Ben Chapman Ryan Condon Chip Crowley Denis Daly Casey Dieter-Leeds Tyler Exum Christian Fields Brett Foster Michael Frick Nicholas Frystak Gilliam Hill Andrew Ireland Justin Jezuit Sydney Johnson Alex Kearney William Klein Edwin Kuster Richard Lee Matt Navetta Timothy O’Loughlin Jacob Pawlina Raeford Penny Matthew Perlich Kevin Petow Alberto Raymond Luke Rehfuss Kaci Rex James Rimmele Nicholas Rollolazo Andrew Scheffey Park Suski Benjamin Taminger Caleb Teachout Tyler Templeton Zachary Velasquez Brandon Williams Jacob Yallowitz
Fr. Fr. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr.
Distance Sprints Distance Distance Distance Sprints Jumps Distance Sprints Distance Mid-Distance Pole Vault Sprints Distance Mid-Distance Throws Sprints Distance Distance Throws Sprints Pole Vault Distance Sprints Sprints Middle Distance Distance Sprints Sprints Pole Vault Distance Sprints Middle Distance Distance Middle Distance Distance Sprints Distance Sprints/ Jumps Distance
Marietta, Ga. Centreville, Va. Gold River, Cal. Ellsworth, Maine Rosemount, Minn. Pasadena, Ca. Branford, Conn. Willimantic, Conn. Fort Washington, Md. Lake Harmony, Penn. Harmony, Penn. St. Johns, Fla. Gurnee, Il Elon, N.C. Louisville, Ky. Muskego, Wis. Bronx, Ny. Staunton, Va. Andover, Mass. Yorktown, Pa. Los Angeles, Cal. Montville, Conn. Tampa, Fla. Chatham, Ma. Alexandria, Va. Birmingham, Ala. Jacksonville, Fla. Orinda, Ca. Richardson, Texas Colorado Springs, Col. Red Bank, N.J. Federal Way, Wa. The Woodlands, Texas Seminole, Fla. Richmond, Va. Concord, Ga. Cannon City, Col. Chula Vista, Fla. Wasilla, Alk. Little Falls, N.Y.
Head Coach Assistant Coaches
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Ethan Brown (5thSeason) Greg Ahrund, Brendan Wilkins, Ben Thuma, Jayna McCarron, Andrew Price, Chris Armstrong
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2016 SEASON PREVIEW The Bears are coming off a successful 2015 season that saw the team finish 10th at the Indoor Division III Championship, third at the NEWMAC Championship and 11th at the Outdoor Division III Championship. Fifth year head coach Ethan Brown is optimistic that the returning veterans from last year’s team will be nicely complimented by a talented group of underclassmen. In the sprints sophomore Raeford Penny is the top returning 400 runner from last season’s team as he ran 51.48 in the open 400 and split 50.0 in numerous 4x400 legs. Sophomore Richard Lee looks to be a viable option in the shorter events for the Bears running 6.83 in the 55m dash, 11.42 in the 100m dash and 23.82 in the 200m dash. Sophomore Tyler Templeton will also be counted on in the shorter events for Coast Guard after a strong showing in the 200 last season (23.48) Sophomore Luke Rehfuss came on strong at the end of the outdoor season finishing in fifth place in the 400 meter hurdles as the NEWMAC Championship and then followed that performance up by running 56.53 at the Division III Championships. The freshman class also will look to make an immediate impact for the Bears highlighted by freshmen Chip Crowley, Michael Bishop, Sydney Johnson, Alberto Raymond and Nicholas Frystak.
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Senior Ben Chapman (1:58.11 800), sophomore Brett Foster (1:59 800, 4:20.34 mile), sophomore Andrew Ireland (1:55.72 800) and junior Andrew Scheffey (1:54.61) will shoulder the load for the Bears in the mid-distance events. This quartet made up 4x800 team that set the school record last season at Open New England Championships running 7:42.07, earning All-New England Honors and finishing as the top Division III team in the event. Freshman Ben Taminger is a freshman to watch for later in the season as will gain valuable racing experience at the college level.Coast Guard looks to have contenders at the New England championships in events ranging from 600 to 1000 with relays included. The distance crew is coming off a solid cross country season. The group will be counted on for the 4x800 and Distance Medley Relay all the way up to the 10k. Junior Caleb Teachout was well balanced last year running sub nine in the 3k during the indoor season and then dropped down to the 1500 (4:03.02) and ran a leg of the 4x800 (1:56) during the outdoor season. Sophomore Andrew Brown was one of the most consistent runners during the cross country season and ran a 15:37 in the 5k his freshman year. Junior Zachary Velasquez posted a 8:54.82 in the 3k last season coupled with a 15:32 in the 5k during the indoor season. Junior Gilliam Hill along with Teachout improved immensely during the cross country season and will build on his 4:07 1500 from last season. Senior Kevin Petow stepped up as well during the fall season and will be someone to watch for in the 3k/5k during the indoor season and then at the 10K distance during the outdoor season.
SEASON PREVIEW
Coast Guard will have an experienced group of vaulters back from last season’s team looking to make a major impact during championship season. The group is highlighted by Division III New England Champion senior Matt Navetta who cleared 15’1” last year. Junior Kaci Rex will be focusing on pole vault this season after a successful run in the multi events for his first two years. Last season Rex cleared 15’1” in the multi-event competition. Freshman Michael Frick showed great potential during the fall training program and will be a key player in the vaults as well for the Bears
Sophomore Denis Daly will add to the depth at pole vault while also competing in the long and triple jump. His strongest event is the pole vault (14’1.25”) but he will also look to be a contender in the long jump (19’) and triple jump (41’5.75”).
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COAST GUARD ACADEMY One of the smallest of the five U.S. Military Academies Four-Year Bachelor’s of Science degree program Founded in 1876 aboard the schooner Dobbin Highly selective admissions standards No tuition, traditional application process No congressional nomination necessary Education includes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership development 85 percent of graduates choose to serve beyond their five-year commitment Two graduates have been NASA Astronauts 80 percent of graduates go to graduate school (most paid for by Coast Guard
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COAST GUARD QUICK FACTS The Coast Guard Academy has 23 Intercollegiate sports (11 men’s, 9 women’s, 3 co-ed) The Bears have been members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in 15 sports since 1999 Coast Guard has won NEWMAC championships in Volleyball, Men’s Swimming, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Crew and Softball Teams have competed in the ECAC Championship tournament in men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball in the past five years The Bears have advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite 8 in both Volleyball (2006) and Men’s Basketball (2007-08) COAST GUARD ACADEMY CORPS OF CADETS DEMOGRAPHICS - about 1,000 cadets enrolled - 48 states and 11 foreign nations represented - 100% of students housed on campus - 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams - 31% of cadets are women - 22% of cadets are minorities - 1 faculty member for every 8 students - 19 Cadets in an average class
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REAR ADMIRAL JAMES E. RENDON ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT FIRST YEAR Rear Admiral Rendon assumed the duties of the 41st Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, June 1, 2015. He reported to the Academy after serving as Director, Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF West), the U.S. Pacific Command’s executive agent for planning and conducting counter-drug strategy in an area of operations covering more than 105 million square miles.
Prior to this assignment, Rear Admiral Rendon served as Assistant Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, the Superintendent’s direct representative to oversee day-to-day operations. Prior to his first Academy assignment, he served as Director of Staff to the Vice Commandant.
Rear Admiral Rendon is a surface operations specialist with a diverse list of assignments over his 28 year Coast Guard officer
COAST GUARD ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT
career. He served as Commander, Sector Northern New England in Portland Maine, as well as, Chief Response, Fifth Coast Guard District in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Rear Admiral Rendon is a cutterman with afloat tours as Deck Watch Officer aboard Durable, a 210-foot cutter home-ported in Brownsville, Texas; Executive Officer aboard the Patrol Boat Ocracoke in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and Commanding Officer of the Surface Effect Ship Petrel in Key West, Florida. Other operational ashore assignments consist of staff advisor, Seventh Coast Guard District Intelligence and Law Enforcement Branch in Miami, Florida, Operations Officer for Group Key West, Florida, as well as Commander, Coast Guard Group Mayport in Northeast Florida.
Rear Admiral Rendon served as Aide de Camp to the 20th Commandant of the Coast Guard. He also completed a Congressional Fellowship in our nation’s Capital, where he worked for the House of Representatives, Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources, followed by a two-year assignment as Drug Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the House.
Rear Admiral Rendon’s personal awards include a Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (6), Coast Guard Commendation Medal (3), Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and a variety of other unit awards and service ribbons. He is authorized to wear the Cutterman’s Insignia and the Boat Forces Operations Insignia.
A 1983 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Rear Admiral Rendon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois. He also completed study at the National War College, Class of 2005, where he earned a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy.
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TIM FITZPATRICK DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FIFTH YEAR Tim Fitzpatrick is in his fifth year as Director of Athletics at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and on his watch the USCGA’s athletic program has seen growth in several key areas. In addition to securing a comprehensive, five-year shoe and apparel agreement with adidas America for the academy’s 23 NCAA sports, has overseen a rebranding initiative that has resulted in new logos and marks and created an athletic booster organization (the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Bear Club). Under Fitzpatrick’s guidance, the department produced its first-ever women’s professional development seminar (the Women’s LeadHERship Symposium) for female USCGA athletic staff members as well as attendees from colleges and universities throughout New England, and has launched an external program for sale of corporate sponsorships and partnerships. Fitzpatrick was the Director of Athletics at Texas A&MCorpus Christi for two years prior to his arrival at USCGA, after spending the previous four years as the Deputy Athletic Director at Indiana University. At Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, Fitzpatrick secured major gifts for construction of a new outdoor tennis center, as well as renovation of the university’s baseball and softball stadiums. He additionally served on the NCAA’s Division I Women’s Basketball Issues Committee while in south Texas, and executed a strategic plan which increased the department’s corporate sponsorship revenue by nearly 40%.
Additionally, he negotiated a 6-year, $21,000,000 shoe and apparel agreement with adidas America and administered the Hoosiers’ multi-media partnerships with Learfield Sports and the Big Ten Network. During his tenure, Indiana realized a ticket sales revenue increase of 15-percent over annual budgeted projections. Fitzpatrick came to IU after spending the previous five years as COO and associate athletics director for external operations at the U.S. Military Academy. Fitzpatrick directed a fundraising effort that saw Army’s “A Club” donor base grow from 750 to 6,700 and annual giving grow from $500,000
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He arrived at West Point from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, where he served as the associate athletics director for external affairs and executive director of the athletic foundation. Fitzpatrick’s work at Charlotte resulted in a 26-percent increase in annual gifts and a 39-percent increase in planned gifts. Prior to Army and Charlotte, Fitzpatrick served in a similar role at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to serving as the men’s basketball sport administrator, he directed a staff that generated a school record $1.4 million in sponsorship revenue and a $125,000 increase in annual giving. Fitzpatrick was a senior associate athletics director at the University of North Texas from May 1994 to June 1996. He was instrumental in UNT’s transition from NCAA Division I-AA football to the Big West Conference, and during the 1994 football season, North Texas was one of three programs nationally to have every football game televised in its home market. This local television package generated more than $700,000 in corporate sponsorship revenue. He gained considerable experience as Assistant Commissioner of the Southwest Conference from 199294. Fitzpatrick negotiated a $2.25 million, three-year men’s basketball tournament title sponsorship with the Dr. Pepper Company, and he also oversaw the league’s national and local television syndication efforts. Fitzpatrick began his athletic administration career as the assistant marketing director at Army before moving on to Virginia Commonwealth as the director of marketing and Ticket Sales (1984-87) and Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Public Relations from 1987-92. A 1981 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a bachelor’s degree in English, Fitzpatrick earned his master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University in 1982.
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DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
While at Indiana, he was responsible for internal administration of the department, oversaw capital construction and facilities management, and had oversight of the football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball programs. Additionally, Fitzpatrick managed IU’s external units, including marketing, ticket operations, licensing, merchandising, website, and publications.
to $1.8 million. He also cultivated the Army Sports Network from two radio stations to 18, including 50,000-watt ESPN 1050 in New York City. During his tenure at West Point, corporate sponsorship revenue jumped from $250,000 to $920,000 annually.
COAST GUARD ACADEMY NITCHMAN TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX The Track & Field Complex was constructed in the summer of 2007 first used for the men’s and women’s soccer games that Fall. The FieldTurf surface lies on the banks of the beautiful Thames River and is also home to the men’s and women’s track & field program.
COMMANDER JOHN MERRIMAN GYM Merriman Gymnasium is home to the women’s volleyball program and the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The gym holds three basketball courts used for varsity practices and games, as well as intramural competition. The 1200-seat facility has been home to numerous league and regional championships.
ROLAND POOL Roland Pool is home to our men’s and women’s swimming and diving program. The eight-lane, 50-yard pool is also used daily for athletic training programs for our cadet-athletes, physical education courses, as well as military training programs necessary to carry out the missions of the Coast Guard for all cadets.
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NITCHMAN BASEBALL FIELD Nelson Nitchman Field is home of the Coast Guard Academy baseball team. The picturesque view from the field overlooks the Thames River.
NITCHMAN SOFTBALL FIELD Nelson Nitchman Field is home of the softball team. The Bears have enjoyed tremendous success winning three of the last four NEWMAC tournament championships and going to the NCAA tournament four straight seasons (20092012).
CADET MEMORIAL FIELD Cadet Memorial Field was made into a FieldTurf surface in 2004 as a gift from the Class of 1952. The facility features a twostory press box that includes two coaches rooms, a room for radio broadcasting and video recording, space for media personnel, and two lounge lounge areas for additional seating. The 1500seat stadium overlooks the Thames River and the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.
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Coast Guard Athletics has two weight rooms, each featuring state-of-theart equipment for our cadets and cadet-athletes to use to improve their overall health and fitness. The facility in Roland Hall is dedicated to freeweight exercising while our Billard Hall facility holds our nautilus, cardio, and other guided machine equipment.
Shaakira Hassell
Strength and Conditioning Coach Hassell, in her first season at the Coast Guard Academy, was most recently the fitness manager at XSport Fitness in Chicago. She has a degree in Self-Designed Sports Science from Beloit College in Wisconsin where she was the class president as well as master’s degrees in Health and Physical Education from Valdosta State and Sports and Fitness Management from Troy University.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
She was the tactical strength and conditioning coach at Fort Bragg from 2013-2104 and prior to that the strength and conditioning coach at IMG Academy in Florida from 2011-2013. Hassell began her career as the strength and conditioning graduate assistant at Georgia Southern during the 2004-2005 academic year before moving onto Valdosta State as graduate assistant for two years. She then served as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Troy University from 2007-2011 before taking the position at IMG Academy. Hassell played for both the Chicago Force and the Atlanta Xplosion Women’s of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) and her Atlanta team won the 2006 IWFL Championship. She was also a member of the US Virgin Islands Women’s National Basketball team practice squad.
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ADMINISTRATION Name Tim Fitzpatrick Dan Rose Tim Opstrup Chris Parsons Art Lamoureux Jason Southard Casey McGarvey Andrea Stewart Donna Koczajowski Katherine Bossardet Vi Oliver Bruce Cobb Marc Grindstaff Dave Fraboni
MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Title Director of Athletics Associate AD/Director of Physical Education Associate AD for Finance, Logistics and Facilities Associate AD for Compliance and Admissions Support Assistant AD for Operations Director of Media Relations Media Relations Assistant SWA/Travel Coordinator SWA/Director of Club Sports Associate Office Manager Administrative Assistant Equipment Manager Equipment Manager Equipment Manager
Phone 860-444-8600 860-701-6798
Name John Westkott Mary Westkott Ken Pancoast
860-444-8602
MEN’S TENNIS
860-701-6197
Name Matt Nakagawa
860-444-8601 860-701-6800
PISTOL & RIFLE
860-701-6799 860-444-8604 860-444-8600 860-444-8580 860-444-8606 860-444-8663 860-444-8663
Title Head Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer
Phone 860-444-8619 860-701-6415 860-701-6416 860-701-6617
BASEBALL Name C.C. Grant Mike Turgeon
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-444-8581
C.C. Grant Ray LaForte Jordan Berrian Jay Driscoll Chris Strand Dave Ratner Don Miller
Title Head Coach Co-Defensive Coordinator/ Recruiting Coordinator Co-Defensive Coordinator Offensive Coordinator Wide Receivers Defensive Line Defensive Line Tight Ends Offensive Assistant
Phone 860-444-8584 860-444-8605 860-444-8581 860-701-6805 860-701-6767
MEN’S BASKETBALL Name Kevin Jaskiewicz Bob Bono Mike Mailhot
Phone 860-701-6132 860-444-8588
Title Director of Rowing/Head Coach
Phone 860-444-8679
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-444-8590
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Name Ethan Brown Greg Ahnrud Mariette Ogg
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-701-6805
Title Director of Sailing Head Offshore Coach Head Intercollegiate Coach
Phone 860-444-8577 860-701-6291 860-444-8325
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Pitching Coach
Phone 860-444-8604
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-701-6594 860-701-6960
Title Director of Rowing Head Coach
Phone 860-444-8679 860-803-4435
Title Head Coach
Phone 860-701-6744
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Goalkeeper Coach
Phone 860-444-8582
SAILING Name Doug Clark Jack Neades Brian Swingly Name Donna Koczajowski Dana Fleischmann Erin Miller
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Name Alex Ivansheck Jessica Farley Scott Hawk Catherine Lewis
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Goalkeeper Coach
Phone 860-701-6197
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD
Name Bill Randall Jodi Hope
WOMEN’S LACROSSE Name Ruth Ness
WOMEN’S SOCCER Name Susan Grant Beth Nakagawa Andrea Giuliano Katie Shveda Anthony Occhialini
WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Name John Westkott Mary Westkott Ken Pancoast
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Diving Coach
Phone 860-444-8586 860-701-6374
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-444-8589
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Name Mike Bynon Ashley Coyle Name Ethan Brown Greg Ahnrud Mariette Ogg
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-444-8590
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach
Phone 860-701-6595
WRESTLING Name Kevin Bratland J.R. Lewis
MEN’S SOCCER Name Chris Parsons Patrick McCarney Anthony Occhialini
Phone 860-701-6886
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
MEN’S LACROSSE Name Ray LaForte Dave Fraboni Mike Higbie Pat Powers
Title Shooting Sports Coach
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STAFF DIRECTORY
Title Head Coach Associate Head Coach Assistant Coach
MEN’S CREW Name Bill Randall
Phone
WOMEN’S CREW
FOOTBALL Name Bill George Dana Fleischmann
Title Head Coach
Phone 860-444-8586 860-701-6374
SOFTBALL
ATHLETIC TRAINING Name Ken Niedzwiecki Maura Gillon Jake Ibey Shannon Nickels
Name Richard Hawkins
Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Diving Coach
ETHAN BROWN HEAD COACH FIFTH SEASON
ETHAN.E.BROWN@USCGA.EDU
Ethan Brown begins his fifth season as the head coach of men’s & women’s track & field, while he is in his fourth season directing the men’s cross country programs and seventh with the women’s cross country team. Coast Guard’s track & field and cross country teams are beginning to build momentum on the regional and national stage. Since taking over the helm of both cross country, the men’s and women’s cross country team placed as high as 15th and 13th respectively with Gary Ezzo (‘14) earning Regional Honors last year placing 24th. On the track and in the field, several athletes have gone on to represent Coast Guard at regional meets in both cross country and track & field, while 6 have earned All America honors including 4-time All-American in the hurdles, Adam Scalesse. Prior to becoming head coach at Coast Guard, Brown served as an Assistant Coach for Track & Field for two years, working primarily with Sprinters, Jumpers and Multi-Eventers, helping 32 athletes on to All-Region honors and Carl Luxhoj to earn AllAmerica honors three times in the long and triple jump. Prior to joining the staff at Coast Guard, Brown was an assistant coach for both cross country and track & field at Babson College from 2006-2008. While at Babson, Brown helped guide 16 athletes on to NCAA regional qualifiers and 17 track athletes to the ECAC Championships. Before arriving at Babson, Brown served as an assistant coach for the men’s track & field team at his alma matter, Springfield College from 2003-2005. During his time at Springfield, brown primarily worked with Sprints & Jumps where he coached several athletes to regional honors and 6 athletes to earn All-America honors in the 400 meters, 4x400, long jump, and high jump.
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In college, Brown was a standout at Springfield College where he was a two-time All-New England high jumper. In 2001, he qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships where he finished 12th. He holds a Master’s of Education in Sports Management from Springfield College and professional certifications including; Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist from the NSCA and USA Track & Field (USATF) Level I and Level II (Jumps) certified coach.
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GREG AHNRUD ASSISTANT COACH
Greg Ahnrud assists with both the cross country and track and field teams at the Coast Guard Academy. Ahnrud served as an assistant coach for both cross country and track & field at Rhode Island College from 2009-2012 where the women’s team set 18 individual records and five relay school records and the men’s team set 13 individual records and eight relay school records during his time at the school. The last two seasons, the RIC men’s outdoor track team had its best finishes at the New England Championships, placing 10th in 2011 and seventh last season of the over 50 schools competing. Ahnrud competed for the Rhode Island College cross country and track programs from 2006-08 after transferring in from Assumption College. During his time as an athlete at RIC, he served as a team captain and was a middle distance event specialist where he earned New England Alliance Conference honors several times. During the cross country season, he was one of their top runner’s at the conference and regional stages. Coach Ahnrud holds both a USATF Level 1 and Level 2 (distance) coaching certificate. His coaching background is also highlighted with experience in strength training and gait analysis.
BRENDAN WILKINS ASSISTANT COACH SPRINTS/JUMPS Brendan is an assistant coach with the Coast Guard cross country team and track and field program where he works with the jumpers and sprinters. He worked with the jumpers at Stonington High School in 2012 and holds USA Track & Field Level 1 Coaching Certification. A 2014 graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Environmental Studies, he was a four-year member of the track and field team and served as team captain during his senior season. Wilkins was an ECAC Championship qualifier in the high jump both indoors and outdoors.
STAFF
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BEN THUMA ASSISTANT COACH THROWS Ben Thuma is in his fifth season serving as a throwing coach for both the men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams. Thuma is graduate of the University of Delaware where he was a four-year letterwinner in track and field. He began his coaching career in 1999, coaching at the John Powell Throwing Camp through 2005. He was also the throws coach for East Lyme (Conn.) High School from 2007 through 2011. While at Coast Guard he has led many throwers to qualify and as well as score in several post-season championship events. He coached Emily Trudeau to break the Academy’s indoor and outdoor shot put records. As well, he’s had a hand in coaching Will Baker (Coast Guard’s #2 discus thrower all-time) as well as Abby Bishop and Clay Kosack in the throwing events on their way to multi-event accolades and record setting performances.
JAYNA MCCARRON CHRISTOPHER ARMSTRONG ASSISTANT COACH DISTANCE
Jayna graduated from CGA in 2007 as a civil engineer and spent 4 years on CG cutters (in CA and MS), 2 years at a special assignment (in WA) and then 2 years in graduate school (in NY) before returning to the Academy to be the Alfa Company Officer. Alfa Company’s mission at the Academy is “health and wellness” .
STAFF
She hails, originally, from Lunenburg, MA and has a dog, Max who also has four years of sea time. She has always loved running and hopes to be a lifelong athlete!
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ANDREW PRICE ASSISTANT COACH DISTANCE Lieutenant Junior Grade Andrew Price, originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. While at the Academy, he was a member of both the cross country and track teams, becoming a team captain for cross country his junior and senior years. After graduation, his first assignment was as a Deck Watch Officer on Coast Guard Cutter DILIGENCE (WMEC 616), home ported in Wilmington, North Carolina. Onboard DILIGENCE he served as the Assistant Navigator and Support Department Head conducting drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement missions. LTJG Price was then deployed as part of Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia under the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. During the deployment he served as Operations Officer on CGC WRANGELL (WPB 1332) and later, CGC MONOMOY (WPB 1326) as well as a Battle Watch Captain for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 50 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
CHRISTOPHER ARMSTRONG ANDREA PARKER ASSISTANT COACH FACULTY AFFILIATE
LCDR Armstrong, a 2001 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, will serve as the Officer Representative for the men’s and women’s cross country team and as an assistant coach for the track and field teams.. While in High School, Armstrong ran cross country and track & feld where he specialized in distance events. At the Academy, he continued his running on both the cross country and track & field teams. After graduation, he headed to Coast Guard Cutter Bear from 2001 to 2003 where he was Student Engineer, Damage Control Assistant, and Assistant Engineer Officer. He was qualified Engineering Officer of the Watch, Deck Watch Officer, and Boarding Team Member. In 2003 he headed to the University of Rhode Island to pursue his Masters Degree. From 2005-2008, LCDR Armstrong headed to CG Headquarters where he was assigned as the C4IT Project Manager for the new National Security Cutters being constructed. He over saw the design and installation of over $300 million of equipment on each asset. In 2009 He fleeted up to the Deputy C4IT Acquisition Planner where he was responsible for outlining a $2.3 billion strategic acquisition plan for C4IT equipment on all CG assets over the next 20 years. In 2009, LCDR Armstrong reported to Electronic Systems Support Unit Miami (ESU) as the Operations Officer; overseeing 24/7 operational readiness of all C4IT equipment in the D7 Area of Responsibility. In 2011, LCDR Armstrong was fleeted up to be the Executive Officer of ESU Miami where he was responsible for executing a $2 million budget annually and overseeing 225 personnel.
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STAFF
LCDR Armstrong reported CGA in the summer of 2013 where he currently teaches in the Electrical Engineering Section. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor’s and Master’s Certificate in IT Project Management from The George Washington University School of Business. LCDR Armstrong is a 2008 Copernicus Award Recipient from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA).
BEN CHAPMAN SENIOR - MID-DISTANCE ELLSWORTH, MAINE Chapman is a member of two school record teams (4x800 indoor and outdoor) including an All New England finish last season where the relay team ran 7:42.07 for a seventh place finish. Chapman, majoring in management, has made the Dean’s list three times at the Academy. BEFORE CGA Ben ran for Andy Beardsley at Ellswroth High School where he was captain of the cross country and both tranck and field teams for three years. He was a member of the Maine State Champion 4x800 team his senior year and was two time Regional Champion in the mile (2009, 2010). Chapman also attended Georgia Military College before attending the Academy GETTING TO KNOW BEN Ben’s lists his favorite movie as Top Gun and if he had his choice of stadiums to visit, he would choose Gillette Stadium. His favorite athlete is American distance running legend Steve Prefontaine while his most used smart phone app is the ESPN app. Chapman’s favorite college team besides Coast Guard is the University of Oregon.
ANDREW SCHEFFEY SENIOR - MID-DISTANCE KEENE, N.H.
ATHLETE BIOS
Scheffey is a member of two school record relay teams (Indoor DMR and Outdoor 4x800) and looks to add to his success going into his third year competing for the Bears. He was named to the Dean’s List his first year at the Academy. He is the son of Ted and Penelope Scheffey and is studying Marine Environmental Science. BEFORE CGA Scheffey attended Woodlands High School in Woodland Texas. He ran cross country and was a middle distance runner for track and field team. He was a captain for both teams during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. GETTING TO KNOW SCHEFFEY Andrew’s favorite movie is Top Gun and he enjoys listening to Eric Church and Jason Aldean. His favorite food is anything BBQ and the college team he roots for the most other than CGA is Arkansas. Andrew likes to spend his Sundays watching his favorite player, JJ Watt, and his favorite team , the Houston Texans.
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2016 ONLINE GUIDE
MATT NAVETTA SENIOR - POLE VAULT MONTVILLE, CONN.
Matt Navetta looks to improve in the pole vault during his senior season after a successful junior year. Navetta was Division III New England Champion last year and earned all New England honors at the New England Open Championship with a sixth place finisf. His parents are Al and Kim Navetta. Al served 20 years in the Navy while his sister played for the Coast Guard Academy water polo team and graduated last year. BEFORE CGA Navetta attended Montvile High School where he was member of the track and field team. He was named captain of the team his senior year. GETTING TO KNOW NAVETTA Matt’s favorite singer is Bruce Springsteen and he likes to snack on Welch’s fruit snacks. He believes Pepe’s has the best pizza and his favorite professional sports team is the New England Patriots. If Navetta had the choice of visiting any sports arena in the world he would go to Gillette Stadium home of his favorite team the Patriots.
GILLIAM HILL JUNIOR - DISTANCE ELON, N.C. Gill is in his third season a a member of the Bears track and field team. Gill earned All-New England honors in track in the DMR indoors (6th place) and the 4x800 relay (3rd place) during the outdoor season last year. He is the son of David and Donna Hill and is majoring in Government. His father, David, served in the Marine Corps.
GETTING TO KNOW GILL Gill’s favorite food is lasagna and his favorite movie is The Last of the Mohicans. His favorite book is Invisible Man and his favorite band is U2. He considers long-time cross country coach Joe Newton to be the greatest coach to ever live. If he could meet anyone, living or deceased, it would be Dr. Who.
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ATHLETE BIOS
BEFORE CGA Hill was a three-sport athlete at Western Almance (N.C.), running for coach Stephen Stiegel and also ran indoor and outdoor track in high school. He was a team captain in all three sports as a senior. Hill has one brother, Preston (21), and one sister, Haley (9) and had an uncle who served in the Marine Corps and a grandfather who was an Air Force officer.
KACI REX JUNIOR - POLE VAULT/MULTI’S COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO Rex had a successful sophomore year finishing 5th in New England for division III in the heptathalon indoors with 4193 points. Rex’s brother high jumps for the Air Force Academy. His parents are from military backgrounds as well as his mom Kathy is a Captain in the United States Air Force and his dad Steve is a Major in the United States Army Rangers. BEFORE CGA Rex attended Discovery Canyon Campus for high school where he was a member of the soccer, wrestling, track and field, and golf teams. He earned his academic letter for having a 3.75 gpa or better six times during his high school career. GETTING TO KNOW REX Rex’s favorite movie is Caddy Shack. His favorite college team outside of the Coast Guard Academy is the United States Air Force Academy. Kaci enjoys visiting Aruba and the most used app on his phone is Instagram.
ZACHARY VELASQUEZ JUNIOR - DISTANCE CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
ATHLETE BIOS
Zachary continues to be an outstanding runner for both the cross country and track and field teams here at the Academy .Velasquez was fifth in the NEWMAC last season in the 10k (33:12.27).Zachary is a two-time NEWMAC performer in xc
as he placed ninth last season (26:08) and 7th during his freshman season (25:59.48). He also earned All-New England honors (27th place in 25:19) honors in cross country as a freshman and All-New England honors in the 5,000 meters during the 2104 outdoor track season. He is the son of Ken and Anne Velasquez and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. BEFORE CGA Velasquez was a two-sport athlete at Otay Ranch (Calif.) High, running cross country for coach Ian Cumming … also a member of the school’s track team … three-time cross country captain and two-time track captain … has two brothers, Brandon (24) and Ryan (16) … his grandfather served in the Army and his uncle is a Marine. GETTING TO KNOW ZACHARY Zachary’s favorite movie is Robin Hood: Men in Tights and his favorite TV show is Samurai Jack. His favorite restaurant is In-N-Out while his favorite place to visit is Yosemite National Park. He is a fan of the San Diego State University Aztecs. If he could meet anyone, living or deceased, it would be Mahatma Gandhi.
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2016 ONLINE GUIDE
CALEB TEACHOUT JUNIOR - DISTANCE CONCORD, GEORGIA Teachout was part of the Bears DMR team that earned All-ECAC (5hthplace) and All-New England honors (6th place) during the indoor season last year and was part of the 4x800 relay that earned All-New England honors with a third place finish during the outdoor season Caleb placed 18th at the NEWMAC XC Championship last season with a time of 26:55, he was the second Coast Guard finisher as the Bears placed third as a team. . He is the son of Herman and Tami Teachout and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. BEFORE CGA Teachout ran cross country and track at Pike County (Ga.) for coach Andy Landers … was a two-time captain for his high school cross country team … has one brother, Brian (20), and one sister, Andrea (22) … brother is currently enrolled at West Point. GETTING TO KNOW CALEB Caleb’s favorite professional sports team is the Green Bay Packers and his favorite actor is Eddie Murphy. His favorite place to visit is the Caribbean and his favorite book is Lone Survivor. If he could meet anyone, living or deceased, it would be Noah.
DENIS DALY SOPHOMORE - JUMPS BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT Daly finished off his freshman year scoring at the Outdoor NEWMAC Championships with a seventh place finish clearing 13’7.25”. He will look to continue to be a ooint scorer for the Bears in both the pole vault and other jumpinng events.Denis is majoring in management.
GETTING TO KNOW DALY Denis’ favorite athlete is French pole vaulter Renaud Lavellenie and his favorite professional sports team is Real Madrid F.C. The most used app on Daly’s phone is Clash of Clans and if he could meet anyone living or deceased he would meet DJ Khaled. His biggest pet peeve is the crinkling of patato chips bags.
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ATHLETE BIOS
BEFORE CGA Daly attended Branford High School and was a member of the indoor and outdoor track and field team under coaches Rich Bondi and John Case. Denis was a Class MM State Champion and SCC champion in the pole vault. He graduated with high honors and served as team captain his senior year. Daly is the son of Denis and Tara Daly.
BRETT FOSTER SOPHOMORE - DISTANCE CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA Brett had a great freshman season in track in earning DI, DII, DIII All-New England honors with a seventh place finish in the 4x800 relay, a 5th place finish in the 4x800 at the DIII Championships and a fifth place finish at ECAC’s in the DMR during the indoor season. In the outdoor season, the 4x800 relay team placed third at the New England Championships. He is also a member of the cross country team Brett is a Civil Engineering major BEFORE CGA Brett was a captain of both the cross country and track teams at Seneca Valley High where he ran for coaches Justin Dosch and James Nagle . He was a state qualifier in 2014 in track setting three school records. He as a state qualifier in cross country and was the Butler County Runner of the Year and MVP in 2013. Foster has a sister Sarah and had three relatives in the military, Robert H. Foster, who earned a bronze star and purple heart in the Army, Captain John Jordan, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Army and First LT William Frankovich, his great uncle, who earned the the distinguished flying cross in the Navy. He is the son of Mark and Barbara Foster. GETTING TO KNOW BRETT Brett’s favorite food is chicken Parmesan and his favorite snack food are boathouse smoothies ... his favorite TV show is Sherlock and his favorite movie is The Gladiator. Brett’s favorite actor is Chris Evans and his favorite band is Iron and Wine. A Pittsburgh Penguins fan, his favorite athlete is David Wottle and if he could meet anyone living or deceased it would be George S. Patton.
RICHARD LEE SOPHOMORE - SPRINTS LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Lee was a member of 4x100 meter relay team that finished in third place at the NEWMAC championships last season helping the Bears to fourth place finish overall. Richard is a Management major ad is the son of Sung and Yoon Lee
ATHLETE BIOS
BEFORE CGA Richard ran both cross country and track and field at Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles under coach Barrenechea. He served as team captain his senior year. Lee spent one year at the Georgia Military College before attending the Academy. He has one sister, Rubina Lee. GETTING TO KNOW LEE Lee also plays alto saxophone in the Coast Guard Academy Jazz Band and practices International Ballroom Dancing. His biggest pet peeve is wrong usage of “whom” and “who” and his favorite athlete is Ji Sung Park. Richard’s favorite book is Faith of My Fathers.
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2016 ONLINE GUIDE
ANDREW IRELAND SOPHOMORE - MID-DISTANCE LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Ireland was a member of the 4x800 team that set the school record last season at the Open New England Championships running 7:42.07, earning All-New England Honors and finishing as the top Division III team in the event. He will be looking to build on a succesful freshman year and a strong cross country season and contribute to a strong middle distance group Andrew is majoring in Management at the Academy. BEFORE CGA Andrew ran at Trinity High School for coach Chad Waggoner and Scott Holzknecht. He was All State in Kentucky and was also captain of the both the cross country and track and field team for two years. His father, John, attended the Naval Academy, also running there. He has one brother, Matt, and a sister, Catherine. GETTING TO KNOW IRELAND Ireland’s favorite food is Jjumbalaya and his favorite movie is Star Wars Phanton Menace. His favorite athlete is Randy Moss and his favorite actor is Nichola Cage. The most used app on his phone is snapchat and his biggest pet peve is people breathing heavy while eating.
RAEFORD PENNY SOPHOMORE - SPRINTS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA Penny was a valuable member to Coast Guard relays last season as he was a member of two scoring teams at the NEWMAC Championships (4x100 & 4x400) and a part of the 4x400 team that was sixth at the Division III New England Championships. Raeford is a Civil Engineering major.
GETTING TO KNOW PENNY Raeford’s favorite athlete is USA Olympian Ashton Eaton and his favorite professional sports team is the New England Patriots. If he could meet anyone dead or alive it would be famous head coach Bear Bryant and his favorite college sports team other than Coast Guard is Alabama. His favorite place to visit is Hong Kong and his biggest pet peeve is showing up late.
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ATHLETE BIOS
BEFORE CGA Penny had a succesful high school career running for head coach Jeff James at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He was all All-State, All-Region and All-Conference during his foru years and was also a New Baldance Indoor and Outdoor Nationals qualifier. Raeford was President of the National Honor Society at Thomas Jefferson High School and has made the Deans list and is also the member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society here at the Academy. Penny is the soon of Robert and Cathriya.
LUKE REHFUSS SOPHOMORE - SPRINTS RICHARDSON, TEXAS Rehfuss was a member of the Bears 4x400 team that finished third at the outdoor NEWMAC track and field championships. The next week Luke ran a personal best in the 400 meter hurdles (56.53) at the Division III Championships. He is a Electrical Engineering major. BEFORE CGA Luke attended J.J. Pearce high school playing three sports (football, track and field, ultimate frisbee). Rehfuss ran for head coach Andrew Harden and served as team captain his senior year. Luke’s older brother also attended the Academy, playing football and graduating in 2012. He is the son of Jan and Peter. GETTING TO KNOW REHFUSS Luke’s favorite restaurant is Chipotle and his favorite movie is Goodwill Hunting. If he could meet anyone dead or alive it would be Sean Bean and the most used app on his phone is Madden Mobile. His favorite song is Trophies by Drake.
ATHLETE BIOS
ZACHARY VELASQUEZ
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2016 ONLINE GUIDE
2015 RESULTS --- Fourth Place at NEWMAC Championship Date Jan 17 Jan. 24 Jan. 31 Feb. 7 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 14 Feb. 20-21 Feb. 27-28 Mar. 8-9 Mar. 28 Apr. 4 Apr. 11 Apr. 17-18 Apr. 18 Apr. 25 May 1-2 May 8-9 May 14-15
Opponent Result CGA WINTER INVIITATIONAL 1st place @ Wesleyan College Invitational No team scoring @ Tufts Invitational No team scoring @ Tufts Cupid Challenge No team scoring @ Dave Hemery Invitational @ Boston University No team scoring @ MIT Invitational No team scoring @ Division III New England Indoor Championships @ MIT 9th place @ All-New England Championships @ Boston University 29th place @ ECAC Championships @ Boston, Mass. 11th place CGA SPRING INVITATIONAL 3rd place @ Amherst College Invitational 3rd place @ SPRINGFIELD with WPI 2nd place @ Larry Ellis Invitational @ Princeton No team scoring @ Springfield Invitational 7th place @ NEWMAC Championships @ MIT 4th place @ Division III N.E. Outdoor Championships @ MIT 11th place @ All-New England Championships @ MIT 35th place @ ECAC Championships @ Springfield College 56th place
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD HISTORY
REVIEW & HISTORY
All-Americans Greg Magee Dennis Boblayer Mike Moore Thad Silwinski Thad Silwinski Kevin Crawley Brian Poskaitis Wayne Brown Brian Poskaitis Joe Crouse Delano Adams Kevin Wirth Drew Orsinger Drew Orsinger Drew Orsinger Blake Novak Drew Orsinger Drew Orsinger Josh Fant
1969 - 120-yd HH 1971 - 880 yds 1975 - High Jump 1981 - Javelin 1982 - Javelin 1983 - Steeplechase 1984 - Hammer 1984 - Javelin 1985 - Hammer 1987 - Javelin 1989 - 400m (Indoor) 1992 - 800m (Indoor) 1993 - Pole Vault 1994 - Pole Vault (Indoor) 1995 - Pole Vault (Indoor) 1995 - 55m HH (Indoor) 1995 - Pole Vault 1996 - Pole Vault (Indoor) 1998 - High Jump (Indoor)
Jeff Rasnake Chris Weber Tom Crowley Mike Flint Mike Flint Mike Flint Steve Blum Mike Flint Chris Hunt Carl Luxhoj Carl Luxhoj Carl Luxhoj Adam Scalesse Adam Scalesse Trevor Siperek Adam Scalesse Adam Scalesse Ben Wolhaupter Adam Scalesse Adam Scalesse
1998 - 3000 Steeplechase 1999 -Javelin 2004 -Javelin 2006 -Mile (Indoor) 2006 - 1,500m 2007 -Mile (Indoor) 2007 - Javelin 2007 - 1,500m 2008 - 35 lb weight (Indoor) 2009 - Long Jump 2011 - Triple Jump 2011 - Triple Jump (Indoor) 2012 - 60m hurdles (Indoor) 2012 - 110m Hurdles 2012 - 3000 Steeplechase 2013 - 60m Hurdles (Indoor) 2013 - 110m Hurdles 2013 - Pole Vault 2014 - 60m Hurdles (Indoor) 2014 - 110m Hurdles
* Athletes in BOLD won National Championships
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2016 ONLINE GUIDE
2016 SCHEDULE January 16
CGA Winter Invitational
January 23
@ Bowdoin Invitational
January 29
@ Tufts Multi-Event
January 30
@ Ramapo Select Invitational
February 6
@ URI Coaches Invitational
February 13
@ Dave Hemery Invitational @ Boston University
February 13
@ Gordon Kelly Invitational @ MIT
February 19 - 20
@ Division III N.E. Indoor Championships @ Springfield
February 26 - 27
@ All-New England Championships @ Boston University
March 4 - 5
@ ECAC Championships @ Staten Island, New York
March 11 - 12
@ NCAA Championships @ Grinell College
April 4
CGA Spring Invitational
April 9
@ Amherst Invitational
April 16
@ Springfield w/ WPI
April 22 - 23
@ Larry Ellis Invitational @ Princeton
April 23
@ Springfield College Invitational
April 30
@ NEWMAC Championships @ Coast Guard Academy
May 6 - May 7
@ Division III New England Championships @ Springfield
May 13 - 14
@ All New England Championships @ SCSU
May 19 - 20
@ ECAC Championships @ Springfield
May 26 - 28
@ NCAA Championships @ Wartburg College
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