NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Bard College men's track and field team performed well at the NYC DIII Invitational on Friday, held at the historic Armory Track in Manhattan, in the team's first-ever indoor track competition.
 
Bard had seven athletes compete in a variety of events, and despite not having the opportunity to train on a track yet this winter, the team performed well. For many, it was their first track competition of any kind.
 
"I'm pleased with the commitment to training that we've had from our team over the last few weeks, and this was an opportunity to learn more about what goals we can set for the rest of the winter and into the spring," said head coach David Lindholm.
 
First-years Yaseer Abdulfatai and Kaleth Torrens-Martin ran in both the 200 and 400, with Torrens-Martin topping his classmate in the 400 and Abdulfatai pushing just ahead of his teammate in the 200.
 
In the 800, first-year Brent Smith won his heat with a strong kick in the last 150 meters with a time of 2:08.50, an excellent starting time for the season. Benjamin Eagen was just behind in the same heat, also showing his potential in the event.
 
Sophomore Azal Kassem went out with an aggressive first 400 and held on to take several seconds off his personal best in the 800. In the 3000, Luca Tagliati ran a smart race, maintaining his pace and setting a standard for future performance.
 
First-year Quincy Ross was Bard's only jumper, and took advantage of the chance to work on steps and technique to earn a mark in the long jump in his first collegiate meet.
 
Several other track athletes were on hand to cheer on their teammates and get a feel for the event and the facility, as the team will return for another Armory meet in late February.