Track and Field Competes in the Seton Hall Open

12/6/05 -- Long Island University track and field program opened its indoor season this past weekend, competing in the Seton Hall Open in South Orange, N.J.

Senior Michael Hillian (Voorhees, N.J.) captured first place in the men’s 500-meter run finishing in 1:05.52. Junior Craig Cocchio (Windsor, Ontario) notched a second-place finish in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 8:55.52. Following Cocchio’s performance was Steven McElligott (Pierrefonds, Quebec), clocking in with a time of 9:19.38. Brooklyn native Jeremy Bascom rounded out the Blackbirds showing, placing fourth in 400-meter with a time of 52.07.

The women were paced by sophomore Aisha Thomas (Jefferson City, Mo.) who took third place in the 400-meter dash, stopping the clock at 59.82 seconds. Right behind Thomas was senior Jaime Smith (Burtonsville, Md.), who finished in 1.00.33. Temi Akojie (Largo, Md.) closed with a time of 1:01.88. Three Blackbirds placed in the 500-meter run. Sophomore Crystal Strachan (Grand Bahama, Bahamas) led with 1:18.83, closely followed by Smith (1:18.89) and Janel McFarlane (Kensington, Md.) with 1:19.16. Senior Nicole Lopez (Highland Mills, N.Y.) represented LIU in the women’s 3000- meter race clocking in with 12:11.03.

The Blackbirds will continue their indoor season when they compete at the Fairleigh Dickinson Invitational in Teaneck, N.J. on Sunday, Dec. 11.