Rider Track & Field at NCAAs

GREENSBORO, N.C.--Three members of the Rider University track & field competed on Thursday and Friday at the NCAA 1st and 2nd round Outdoor Track and Field Championship East Regional, hosted by North Carolina A&T.

For Rider in the 1500m, junior Christian Gonzalez (Somerset/Franklin Twp.) was 33rd of 46 with a time of 3:51.84.  "Chris was in good position the first two laps," head coach Bob Hamer said.  "He slid inside and a couple of guys got to the outside of him and a gap developed and he wasn't able to climb back into a qualifying position."

For the Broncs in the 800m, freshman Greg Wesh (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) placed 34th of 47 with a time of 1:50.64.  "Greg was a little tentative off the line and got banged around a little bit a few 100 meters into the race," Hamer said.  "He made it up but got clipped again with about 200 meters to go."

Also for Rider at NCAAs, senior Alicia Price (Voorhees/Eastern) competed in the shot put but fouled on all three attempts.

"Chris has come a long way," Hamer added.  "He ended the last two seasons with injuries but really progressed this season.  I couldn't be any happier for him.  He learned a lot this season.  And for Greg, being a freshman, everything he has accomplished has been fantastic.  He is going to take these memories and apply himself going forward.  He is going to be a good athlete for Rider for many years to come.  I'm proud of both of their efforts and I'm hoping the rest of the team will feed off their success and believe that they can accomplish the same goals of making NCAAs."

"Today was a little bit of a disappointment for Alicia," Hamer said.  "She was a little off and fouled on all three throws.  But that can't take away from the great career that she had at Rider.  She is a true example of someone who can come into a program and achieve great things.  We are proud of her efforts and will hold her up as an example of what you can accomplish if you work hard and are committed to your sport."

The finals of the East Regional are on Saturday.

-RU-