Princeton University Athletics
Men's Track & Field On Top After Day One of Ivy Outdoor Heps
May 04, 2024 | Men's Track and Field
PRINCETON, N.J. - The Princeton men's track & field team ended the first day of competition at the Ivy League Heptagonal Outdoor Championships at Weaver Stadium in first place on a day highlighted by Casey Helm's victory in the discus and Nicholas Bendtsen's win in the 10,000m.
At 42 points, the Tigers lead the standings. The University of Pennsylvania follows in second place with 22 points, closely trailed by Dartmouth in third with 21 points.
Day 1 (Saturday)
Finals
To kick off the 2024 Ivy Outdoor Heptagonal Championships, Asher Robbins competed in the men's hammer throw. Robbins placed fourth with a mark of 61.07 meters (200-4) and picked up the Tiger's first four points of the meet.
In the men's pole vault event, Nick Molloy cleared 4.71 meters (15-5.5) to secure fifth place and contribute two points to Princeton's overall total.
In the men's discus throw, Casey Helm was crowned the first Princeton Ivy Champion of the meet, achieving an impressive throw of 56.55m (185-6). Sharing the podium was Avery Shunneson, securing third place with a throw of 52.55m (172-5). Together, the duo from Princeton amassed 16 points, propelling their team to a joint first-place position with Penn, each totaling 22 points.
In the Men's 10,000m,, Nicholas Bendtsen clinched the Ivy Champion title in a thrilling finish. Bendtsen completed the race in 29:10.85, securing first place and earning 10 points for the Tigers. Jarrett Kirk and Connor Nisbet finished third and fourth respectively, adding another combined 10 points to Princeton's total. With a total of 20 points from the 10,000m race, the Tigers now have a cumulative score of 42 points after five events.
Philip Kastner, the 2023 Outdoor Heps men's decathlon champion, looked to begin to defend his title on the first day of competition and currently sits in first place after five events with 3896 points. He won the shot put with a mark of 14.29 meters (46-10.75) while also taking second in the 100 with a time of 10.92 and the long jump with a leap of 6.98 meters (22-10.75). Kastner clocked in at 50.84 in the 400 to finish third then came in fourth in the high jump after clearing 1.87 meters (6-1.5).
Prelims
Weaver Stadium was buzzing with excitement as the Men's 1500m Prelims kicked off. Harrison Witt surged to victory, crossing the finish line in 3:46.81, closely followed by Connor McCormick with a strong second-place finish at 3:47.19. Duncan Miller secured his spot in the finals with a time of 3:48.11, while Jack Stanley wasn't far behind, finishing in 3:48.22 to also advance.
As the day progressed, attention turned to the Men's 400m Prelims. Anderson Dimon showcased his talent with a remarkable personal best time of 46.82, claiming first place. Xavier Donaldson secured second with a time of 47.26, while William Doyle clinched the final qualifying spot, clocking in at a season-best time of 47.79.
In the Men's 100m preliminary round, the Tigers continued their strong performance. Zach Della Rocca set a new personal best of 10.27 taking first place, also earning a spot in the record books at third all-time. Joey Gant also excelled with a personal best of 10.42, finishing fourth overall. Jackson Clarke joined them in the finals, clocking 10.49 to secure seventh place.
The Men's 800m heats saw Harrison Witt dominate once again, finishing first with a swift time of 1:48.15. Sam Rodman secured his place in the finals with a solid third-place finish at 1:49.84.
Aiden Silvestri showcased his skills in the Men's 400m Hurdles prelims, achieving a personal best time of 53.05 seconds. While he placed ninth overall, Silvestri's impressive effort earned him a spot in the finals.
Wrapping up the day, the Men's 200m prelims showcased the Tigers' sprinters. Joey Gant stole the show with a stunning personal best time of 20.63, securing first place. Zach Della Rocca followed closely with another personal best, finishing second at 20.67. Jackson Clarke completed the trio of top performers with a time of 20.79, securing third place. Kavon Miller also secured his spot in the finals with a solid performance, clocking in at 21.31.
Up Next
The Princeton men's track & field team will compete in day two of the Ivy Outdoor Heps Championships on May 5.
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Players Mentioned
