Bentley University's athletic teams, known as the Falcons, have a rich history of competing in various sports, including track and field. The university's track and field team has produced numerous talented athletes who have excelled in their respective events, both locally and nationally.
History of Bentley University's Track and Field Team
Bentley University's track and field team was established in the early 1970s, shortly after the university's founding in 1917. Initially, the team competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) before joining the NCAA Division II in 1985. Over the years, the team has undergone significant changes, including the construction of a state-of-the-art track facility in 2005.
Accomplishments and Achievements
The Bentley University track and field team has achieved considerable success in recent years, both individually and collectively. In 2019, the team won its first Northeast-10 Conference (NE-10) championship, with several athletes setting new records in their respective events. The team has also produced several All-Americans, including distance runner Alex Golojuch, who finished 10th in the 10,000-meter run at the 2018 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships.
Notable Athletes
Bentley University's track and field team has produced several notable athletes who have gone on to achieve success beyond their college careers. One such athlete is Joe Sullivan, who competed in the 800-meter run and mile events from 2005 to 2009. Sullivan set multiple school records during his time at Bentley and went on to compete professionally, representing the United States at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships.
Coaching Staff
The Bentley University track and field team is led by head coach Kevin Curtin, who has been at the helm since 2013. Curtin has a wealth of experience in the sport, having competed at the NCAA Division I level as an athlete and serving as an assistant coach at several institutions prior to joining Bentley. Under Curtin's leadership, the team has consistently improved its performance, winning several NE-10 championships and producing multiple All-Americans.
Facilities
The Bentley University track and field team competes at the Dana Athletic Center, a state-of-the-art facility that features a 400-meter track, jumping pits, and throwing areas. The facility has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, including the installation of a new track surface and the construction of a throwing area.
Conclusion
The Bentley University track and field team has a rich history of competing at the NCAA Division II level, with a strong tradition of producing talented athletes who excel in their respective events. With a dedicated coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.
Benefits of Being a Part of the Track and Field Team
Being a part of the Bentley University track and field team offers numerous benefits, both on and off the track. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved physical fitness: As a member of the track and field team, you will be required to maintain a high level of physical fitness, which can have numerous health benefits.
- Development of teamwork and communication skills: Track and field is a team sport, and as a member of the team, you will learn the importance of working together towards a common goal.
- Opportunities for competition: As a member of the Bentley University track and field team, you will have the opportunity to compete against other teams at the NCAA Division II level.
Challenges Faced by the Team
Despite the team's successes, there are several challenges that the Bentley University track and field team faces. Some of these challenges include:
- Limited resources: As a NCAA Division II institution, Bentley University has limited resources compared to larger institutions, which can make it difficult to compete against teams with more resources.
- Tough competition: The NE-10 Conference is highly competitive, with several teams vying for the top spot.
- Injuries and burnout: As with any sport, injuries and burnout are a risk for track and field athletes, particularly those who compete in multiple events.
Gallery of Bentley University Track and Field Team
FAQs
What is the Bentley University track and field team's mission?
+The Bentley University track and field team's mission is to develop student-athletes who excel in their respective events while maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence and sportsmanship.
What are the benefits of being a part of the track and field team?
+Being a part of the track and field team offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, development of teamwork and communication skills, and opportunities for competition.
What are the challenges faced by the track and field team?
+The track and field team faces several challenges, including limited resources, tough competition, and injuries and burnout.