Vikings Spotlight: Men's and Women's Track and Field
The unfortunate nature of the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, has forced Hudson Valley Community College as well as the NJCAA and the NCAA to cancel the remainder of the spring seasons. Although the seasons will not go on, the Vikings department of athletics wants to take this opportunity to still highlight the spring programs.
Men's and Women's Track and Field
The men's and women's track and field programs had some big plans this year as both programs expected to compete for the NJCAA Region 3 Championship as well as a possible chance to claim the NJCAA National title on our home turf as the Vikings were scheduled to host the 2020 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 7-9, 2020.
The men's program was working toward the program's third consecutive NJCAA Region 3 championship as they continue to find the best track and field talent from around Section 2 and New York State.
The women's program has struggled with numbers over the last two year, but the coaches have done a great job recruiting for the 2020 season and the women's participation numbers have tripled since the program began competing again in 2018. The improved roster set the Vikings up to compete with Herkimer and Mohawk Valley for a NJCAA Region 3 women's championship.
Vikings Throwers:
Manny Manera was the lone returner for the Vikings throwers this season. Manny was a three-event scorer at the Region 3 Championships last season as he scored in the discus, javelin, and hammer throws. He would have been returning as a top-5 national performer in both the discus and hammer throws.
John Acker was returning for his second track & field season in his career, where he was motivated by last year's success at Regionals and Nationals in the Decathlon. John was crowned champion during the Region 3 Championships in the Decathlon, and later went on to finish third at Nationals. John was one of the top returning athletes in the decathlon this season and was ready to compete for a national championship. He will be transferring to Division I Coastal Carolina in the fall and is expected to continue competing in the decathlon.
Vikings Distance Runners:
Anna Clarke is a two-sport athlete who returned for her final track and field season after completed a successful cross country season in the fall. At the 2019 Regionals, the criminal justice major placed first as one leg of the 1600 relay team. She also posted a second-place finish in the 1500M and third in the 800m events. She continued to strive at Nationals as she earned top-10 finishes in the 1600 relay and the 1500M events.
Joseph Degiorgio also competed for the Vikings cross country team in the fall and was set to close out his track and field career this spring. Last season, Joe earned four top-5 finishes at the NJCAA Region 3 Championships to help the men's program win their second straight title.
Although the 2020 season has been canceled, our track and field coaches want to hear from all prospective student-athletes interested in joining the team next season at Hudson Valley. Be sure to reach out and let them know you want to be a VIKING!