By RYAN SCANLON
STAFF WRITER
The Fordham men’s track team came off an impressive campaign last winter, finishing third overall in the Atlantic 10 Conference with a number of All-Conference honors and terrific performances at the IC4A Championships.
Key athletes who will not be competing this winter (due to graduating or redshirting) are Julian Saad (school record holder in 3,000-m run), Kevin Fitzgerald (defending A-10 champ in 1,000-m run) and Nick Delligatti (senior leader and staple on Fordham’s 4×400-m relay).
Still, many pieces are returning to the men’s side. Junior David Fajoyomi, a native of Hungary, had an exceptional season high jumping last winter, winning the conference by clearing 6’10”.
Fellow junior Sam Houston is also returning as the school record holder in the heptathlon. His overall versatility makes him a strong All-Conference contender this season after barely missing the cut last year.
The Fordham 4×800 relay has been a dominating presence in the Atlantic 10 in recent memory, winning its fourth-straight conference title a season ago. The Rams will again look to taste victory in this relay.
Notable athletes who take part in this effort include senior John Cosgrove, junior Ryan Polo, senior Mike Rossi, sophomore Danny Green and senior Sean Atkinson.
Newcomers include cross-country standout freshman Mike Turi, who will concentrate on the one mile or possibly the 3,000-m run.
The women’s team did not share the same success as the men last season, but did have some bright spots and will look to capitalize on its strengths this coming season.
Key departures on the women’s side include Kelly Connolly, who will be missed, as she provided a solid leg in the women’s 4×800-m relay and placed well in the 500-m run throughout the season.
One key returnee is junior Titi Fagade, who earned second team All-Conference for her efforts in the 500-m run. She will certainly look to challenge for the conference title in whatever middle distance event she is called on to run.
Junior Courtnay Newman also provides strength in the field events with her high-jumping prowess which landed her just short of All-Conference honors last year.
The women’s 4×400 team broke the school record during this past outdoor season and will look to return to form with a possible new runner to replace graduate Elisabeth Warren.
Fagade should be featured in that relay along with sophomore Melissa Higgins and junior Averie Sheppard.
Fordham kicks off indoor season with a home meet on Friday, Dec. 7 in the Lombardi Fieldhouse.
