UConn men's track off to regionals

The UConn men’s track and field team will continue their championship season this weekend at the New England Championships in Boston, Mass. The Huskies have won seven consecutive New England titles and 18 of the past 19. A strong team performance last weekend led to an indoor Big East Championship, and the Huskies are hungry for another.

“We are looking to bring back more hardware,” senior Tim Bennatan said. “I’m not saying it should be cake, but we’re saving room for dessert.”
Bennatan was part of the 4x800 relay team that took first place at the Big East Championships and set a track record. Bennatan also took fourth place in the 1,000 meter run.

The only individual title for UConn at the Big East Championships came from Darnell Cummings who sprinted to a personal best time of 6.76 in the 60 meter dash. The two first place titles were just part of 20 top five finishes the Huskies had at the meet.

Following the meet, head coach Gregory Roy, associate head coach Rich Miller and assistant coach Nick Stenuf were named the 2013 indoor Big East Coaching Staff of the Year. It is the eighth time that Roy’s staff has earned the honor.

Despite the modesty, it is clear that Roy and staff have been an integral part of the team’s success, something Bennatan and Cummings were quick to point out.

“First off, I’m going to say they deserve a raise,” Bennatan said. “The coaching staff is simply outstanding. I’m not going to lie, running isn’t all that fun, but the coaching staff makes it enjoyable and exciting. They really get the best out of us every day."

Cummings agreed with Bennatan.

“Our coaches have taken us through big steps in all of our careers to help us become the best runners we can be,” Cummings said.