After a Last Effort at Princeton, CU Moves to Heptagonals

This weekend’s final test run before Ivy League Championships next week proved fruitful for the Columbia track teams at the Princeton Elite Invitational. In the Lions’ last race tune-up, the Light Blue runners managed to nab some high-place finishes while keeping their legs in competitive shape.

Sophomore Serita Lachesis and senior Zach Richard began the weekend with two victories. Lachesis captured the 800-meter title, while Richard won the 1,500-meter race. Lachesis was followed by freshmen Samantha Lee and Abbie Dubin-Rhodin in sixth and seventh, rounding out the Lions’ pack. Junior Ryan Hays and sophomore William Ballenthin placed third and eighth in the 1,500-meter race behind Richard.

Other strong performances came from sophomore Mike Mark, who placed second in the 800-meter run, defeating a group of Princeton runners. Sophomore Christina Henderson and freshman Hannah Kligman took a two-three finish in the 5,000-meter race, and freshman Terence Prial took fourth place in the steeplechase event.

Saturday was a day that saw notable races from younger runners. Three freshmen took top-five spots in various events. Jacqui Brown took third in the 200-meter dash, while fellow freshman Laura Vogel placed fifth in the 400-meter dash. Katherine Kolombatovich captured fourth place in the 400-meter hurdles, followed closely by freshman Haley O’Sullivan in sixth. Sophomore Sean Quinn earned the bronze in the men’s 400-meter hurdles.

Next weekend will be the culmination of the Lions’ league training, as they face off the Ancient Eight in Heptagonal Championships in New Haven.