By John Ojukwu
Athletes earned first place medals, proved they are capable of competing against Division I athletes, and stood out in the D3 championships. Myself, John Ojukwu, along with Marcus Viera, even managed to make it to Nationals.
On February 1, 2019, junior sprinter Eddy Boamah competed in the 200m dash at the All New England’s track meet which had numerous Division I schools competing in it. Boamah thought it was a great experience.
“It was fun to be out there with the boys” Boamah said. “It wasn’t my best race but it’s an honor to be competing in the Division I atmosphere, and I’m glad I got the experience.”
I got the chance to catch up with Justin Lewis, a former WSU high jumper. He spoke about his experience in meets like the All New England and how it helped him with the recruiting process.
“It’s a great opportunity to show your talent,” Lewis said. “It really gives a chance for people who didn’t get the chance to get recruited out of high school to show how well they match up against athletes with a much higher profile.”
Lewis, now a junior high jumper for the University of Arizona Wildcats, tied for first in the high jump competition with a UConn student, helping him earn multiple Division I scholarships.
Athletes such as Scott Page, Viera, Boamah, and a handful of other Lancers got to bring home gold medals After the MASCAC Conference Track and Field Championship meet.
While Viera didn’t set a personal record during the MASCAC Championship meet, he is consistently improving in his throwing events.
“It wasn’t my PR,” Viera said, but added, “I’m glad to win the conference with such a high-intensity atmosphere, we all worked hard for this meet so it’s a great site to see my boys get medals”.
Pole vaulter Page had a decent day at the MASCAC Championship meet. He didn’t set a personal best but he had some gold around his neck after winning the pole vault competition.
“I’m glad to get a gold medal,” Page said. “I wish I could have broke the school record today at one of the biggest meets of the season.”
Boamah won a gold medal at MASCAC after his whole relay team. He also did exceptionally well in the 200 and 400 at the All New England’s Track and Field Championship meet. He thinks this might be his last race of the season because of an injury.
“I think I need a break” Boamah said. “Between football indoor and outdoor track I think my body needs rest to get back on track.” Boamah will not participate in outdoor track in order to rest for next football season.
Personally, I won the MASCAC Championship in the 60-meter dash and earned a gold medal. The week after, I won the All New England’s championship in the same event which earned me a spot at Nationals, but, like Boamah, I also realized the need for a rest. Due to injuries, I decided to recover for the outdoor track season after talking with Coach Matthew Swett.
On March 10, the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston held the National Championship in Track and Field. This year, Viera, who competed in the shot put, was the only one representing Worcester State. Viera fouled on all three throws and ended up not placing.
“It is an honor to represent Worcester State on the biggest stage of the season,” he said. “It was a little embarrassing. I am proud to have come this far, even though it didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I am happy to say that I am one of the top D3 athletes in the country.”
The Worcester State track team wrapped up the indoor season and has begun holding preseason practices for the outdoor season. The outdoor season’s first meet was on March 22.
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