According to the first NCAA Division II poll released today by the USTFCCCA, the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Track and Field team is ranked 9th in the East Region. Two runners hold national rankings in their respective events while six are listed regionally. The Lady Spartans are currently 13th with three runners gaining regional recognition.
Leading the men's squad is junior Mike Abelard who is ranked 11th in the country in Division II and third in the region in the 200m with a time of 21.84. Sophomore George Erazo is ranked 16th in the country and 8th in the region in the 400m in a time of 48.80. Both individuals have provisionally qualified for Division II Indoor Nationals this season. The Spartans 4x400 meter relay of Mike Abelard, George Erazo, Alex Andre and Frankie Colon is currently ranked 3rd in the region with a time of 3:25.08. The Spartans DMR relay team of Alex Andre, George Erazo, Mike Kraus, and Matt Buell is currently ranked 3rd in the region as well. Sophomore Frankie Colon is currently ranked 3rd in the region with a long jump of 42 ft 6 inches (12.95m). The team is ranked 80th in the nation in DII.
The Lady Spartans position in the poll is highlighted by Keeley Bateman who is currently ranked 4th in the region in the 800m with a time of 2:20.82. The DMR team of Keeley Bateman, Ashley Stokkeland, Catherine Sandkuhl, and Chelsea Klinger is currently ranked 4th in the region.
This week the Spartans will be facing a tough test in Boston at the Terrier Classic where they will see the top teams in the East Region as well as some of the top teams in Division I,II, and III.