University of Albany Wins NY-NJ Relay at New Balance Invitational - Brianne Bellon Fourth in Mile Run

New York City, N.Y. - University at Albany's Wilfredo de Jesus Elias set a school record in the weight throw and the 4x200-meter relay set another standard on the final day at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 5. Texas A&M and LSU were among the nation's top program competing at the Armory Track & Field Center.

de Jesus Elias shattered his own school standard in the championship weight throw with a toss of 65-feet, 6-inches. de Jesus Elias, who finished fifth in the competition, broke his own mark set at this same meet in 2009. He helped his team finish 11th in team standings with 25 points.

Jonathan Santana anchored UAlbany to a record in the championship 4x200m relay. The Great Danes sprinted 1:27.24 to eclipse the old mark of 1:28.74. Other relay members were Taylor Chaney, Jake Rachiele and Kareem Morris. Chaney also led the Great Danes to a second-place finish with a time of 3:18.33 in the NY-NJ 4x400 relay.

Chris Burke finished second in the men's college one mile run and qualified for the IC4A championship with a time 4.09.95. Burke, who led UAlbany to victory in the 4x800m relay the previous day, placed behind winner Nathan Ogden, of Brigham Young, who hit the tape in 4:08.59. UAlbany's Ethan Clary took fifth in the college 5,000-meter run and was clocked in 14:44.92, meeting the IC4A standard.

In the women's meet, Brianne Bellon continued her promising freshman campaign by placing fourth in the college one mile run. She posted the sixth-fastest time in school history by crossing the line in 4:58.32. Duke's Gabby Levac won the race in 4:57.15.

The Great Danes won the NY-NJ women's 4x400 relay in 3:50.95. Alli Rogers ran the lead-off leg for a group that included Brittany Eveleth, Jessica Hunter and Tierra Chavis.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information