Utica, NY – The SUNY Delhi Track and Field Team was back in action for the first time in 2024 at the Utica Winter Opener.  Many strong performances were highlighted by a new school record in the weight throw from Kitty Messina.

Messina threw a new lifetime best of 14.50 meters to break the previous program record of 14.48 meter set by Diana Echols in 2020.  Messina's mark was good enough for second place overall in the meet and will punch her ticket to the All-Atlantic Regional Championships in March.

Zoe Rodi ran a strong race for the Bronco women in the 400 meters winning the event in 1:01.82 seconds, comfortably ahead of the second place finisher.  Kadie-Ann Whyte ran 8.26 seconds in the 60 meter dash final to place second for Delhi, while freshman Evelyn Eastman ran a strong race in the 800 meters placing fourth.

For the men, senior Joshua Jeffes ran his first 500 meter race and won handily recording a time of 1:05.07 to set a new facility record for the Utica University indoor track.  Jeffes time ranks as the third fastest time in program history.  Freshman Dayzin Lagare won the 60 meter dash in 6.98 seconds while placing second in the 200 meters with a time of 22.30.

Senior Joey Ciufo won the 60 meter hurdles event in 8.70 seconds with teammate Jamar Matthew in third at 9.00 seconds.  In the long jump, Delhi picked up another 1-3 finish with Aidan Steele taking the win with a leap of 6.58 meters and Luke Foster in third with a mark of 6.42 meters.

James Olson added a fourth place finish for the team in the weight throw with a mark of 14.30 meters.

Next up for the squad is a trip to Houghton for the Highlander Invitational next Saturday.