Plenty of potential for Fitchburg State men's track team

Courtesy of Matt Stewart, Sentinel & Enterprise

FITCHBURG-- With the graduation of two All-American caliber athletes over the past 12 months, "opportunity" and "potential" are the key words being associated with the Fitchburg State University men's outdoor track team.

The Falcons boast one of their largest rosters in program history and have a couple of talents possibly destined for big things come championship season.

"We've had three All-Americans in the last three years, and now they've all graduated," Fitchburg State head coach Jim Jellison said. "We have some pole vaulters who could potentially get to the level of making the national championship. They're jumping 14-7 now, and if they can get up to 15-7 they could make it.

If you look at all the All-Americans over the last few years, they were all seniors, and it's a building process. We have some jumpers and distance runners who have the potential to get there in a year or two, if they keep working at it."

With a strong contingent of underclassmen, it's difficult for Jellison to make postseason predictions for his squad. But with nearly 60 athletes on the roster, there will be plenty of talent to evaluate.

"It's nice to have a bunch of people in every event," Jellison said. "It's hard to tell how we'll do, it depends on how things break against other schools. We'll at least be competitive in any event that goes on the track, because we'll have someone in there with the potential to score. I think this is the biggest team we've had, and if it isn't the biggest it's one of the biggest."

Pole vault has been a strength for the Falcons over the past couple of years, and this season will be no different. Senior Pat Conaty, who suffered an injury last outdoor season, looks to be the leader.

"Conaty is coming back for an extra year after his injury last year," Jellison said. "He's a captain of the team, he's been the leading the team and looking strong and doing a very good job."

Joining Conaty in the pole vault is freshman Patryk Backiel, who missed qualifying for bigger meets during the indoor season after suffering an injury at the MASCAC/Alliance Meet. The pole vaulting duo is posting similar performances so far, and could provide a potent 1-2 punch come championship time.

After a strong cross country and indoor season, the Falcons' distance crew is continuing its progression. Junior Jim Quinlan leads the squad with the potential for strong success in the 1,500 meters and 800. Two freshmen provide depth in those events, as well, as Matt Cuomo and Brandon Hannon continue to develop on schedule.

"Quinlan was injured last year, but he's healthy now and has been running really well," Jellison said.

Freshman Brian Amaral seems to be leading the pack in the longest distance events. Richard Ethier, a Shirley native and Parker Charter grad, looks to be a threat in the middle distances, along with utility runner Chauncey Beatty.

Young talent fills the sprinting group's ranks, as well. Freshman Trent Garlington and sophomore Charles De La Rosa lead the charge. De La Rosa is the brother of former runner Carlos De La Rosa, another accomplished Falcon sprinter. Kwaku Mensah of Worcester is another sprinter to keep an eye on.

Lunenburg native Mark Wesgan returns for his junior year in the hurdles, accompanied by freshman Nick Levenson. The young Levenson already looks to be the Falcons' most versatile threat.

"Levenson is probably going to be working toward the decathlon, also," Jellison said. "He's already qualified for the 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles, high jump and long jump for the MASCAC meet. He has really great upside potential."

The throwing ranks are wide open with the graduation of Zach Desrochers. Only one meet into the season, senior Thomas Mason has already qualified for the conference meet. Junior David Oster will also be going to MASCACs in the shot put, while senior captain Tim Rymer is off to a good start in the discus, having already clinched a postseason bid.

Ben Bottrell and Tyler Miller have yet to participate in the high jump this season, but have high expectations for deeper into the schedule.