By Emmanuel Berbari
The Penn Relays were kind to Fordham Track and Field this past weekend, as the thriving unit took a positive step forward as it hits the stretch run.
Sophomore standout Ryan Kutch made school history with a win in the 10,000-meter run at Franklin Field, finishing in 29:43.54.
“It feels great,” said Kutch, who has been one of Fordham’s breakout performers between cross country and track. “Great supporting teammates and small-time progressions during the season make that possible.”
He broke Kevin Giannetti’s previous long-standing mark of 29:56.3, which was set back in 1985. Kutch also became the first Ram in 26 years to record an individual win at the event.
On day two, the women’s 4×200 relay team made history of its own, as junior Mary Kate Kenny, seniors Merissa Wright and Laura Jaeger and freshman Kathryn Kelly set a school mark with a sixth-place Eastern final finish in 1:37.79.
“They did amazing this weekend,” said Kutch. “The performances will help the team carry confidence into A10s next week.”
Between competition on Friday and Saturday, Fordham added two season-best times, with the 4×100 relay team of Kenny, sophomore Mary Kate Caucci, Jaeger and Kelly finishing in 48.09 seconds, good enough for a 38th-place finish, and the 4×800 squad of junior Aidan Moroz, Wright, junior Kate McCormack and senior Bryanna Harum placing third in 8:59.80, earning ECAC qualification.
This meet served as a final tuneup for the Atlantic 10 Championships, which the Rams have been working towards all season long.
“We both feel well prepared for A10s,” said Kutch. “We have had great leadership from captains like Michael Campbell helping keep us confident and ready to go.”
The event will take place on May 5 and 6 in Fairfax, Virginia at George Mason University’s complex.
“Many stand out performances from early in the season have helped with our confidence,” said Kutch. “I’ve focused on getting ready for the biggest meet [A10s].”
His performances have gone a long way to set the pace.
