LOWELL, Mass.—Five members of the UMass Lowell track and field team continue their postseason push this week after qualifying for the 2022 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships hosted by Indiana University.
 
Graduate students Jenna Solimine (Haverhill, Mass.), Derek Holmes (Marshfield, Mass.) and Benjamin Drezek (Cumberland, R.I.), senior Izzy Giesing (Bradford, Vt.) and freshman James Kotowski will all travel to the Midwest in hopes of punching their ticket as one of 12 finishers advancing to the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in Eugene, Ore., June 8-11.
 
With five qualifying athletes, the River Hawks have matched their all-time program record set back in 2019 when Paul Hogan, Vladimir Popusoi, Sean Munnelly, Kaley Richards and Drezek all qualified for the 2019 East Regional in Jacksonville, Fla.
 
"This is a group that excelled all year. They have been the backbone of the team's success," commented Head Coach Gary Gardner.
 
After his first appearance in 2019, Drezek returns to the East Prelims to run it back in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase. This season, the graduate student claimed a new school record in the event after chasing down a career-best 8:46.19 time at the Raleigh Relays. Drezek capped his impressive campaign with an individual title in the long-distance obstacle race at the 2022 America East Outdoor Championships just weeks ago.
 
"Ben has been one of the best steeplechasers in the conference since arriving at UMass Lowell. This will be his third trip to NCAAs between cross country and outdoor track, which is an impressive accomplishment," said Gardner.
 
Holmes saw a record-breaking year of his own leading up to his postseason bid. A staple for the River Hawks' middle-distance and distance crews, the graduate student cemented his name in the record books as the first student-athlete in program history to run a sub-four-minute mile. Holmes achieved the feat in his first attempt at the event during the outdoor slate, registering a 3:59.57 finish to also become the second NCAA athlete to do so this season. The Massachusetts native will attempt another outstanding performance this weekend when he competes in the men's 1,500 meter in Bloomington.
 
"Derek is capping off an amazing career this spring. He's been an integral part of five America East Championship teams. From a recruited walk-on to what he's become is just a testament to his work ethic," remarked Gardner.
 
The sole field competitor for the River Hawks, Kotowski impressed in his first season. In just his second collegiate meet, Kotowski smashed the long-standing javelin record set back in 2014 with a 65.89m (216'2") toss to earn second at the Colonial Relays. The freshman then set two new program marks in the event in back-to-back meets, ending with a career-best mark of 71.14m (233'5") as well as a silver medal at the 2022 America East Outdoor Championships.
 
"James has had amazing development this spring. He's worked hard and Assistant Coach Barbara Smith has really done an outstanding job with him," mentioned Gardner.
 
No stranger to the NCAA stage, Giesing heads to the East Preliminaries after qualifying just months ago for the NCAA Indoor Championships. Giesing earned her spot in the first round of the women's 1,500-meter after posting a qualifying time at the 2022 Virginia Challenge. Crossing in 4:17.21, Giesing posted a personal best and a program record in the outdoor event.
 
"I mean, is there anything Izzy hasn't accomplished this year?" posed Gardner. "To run at such a high level each season for a middle-distance runner is really tough. Every year she just keeps getting better."
 
Rounding out the River Hawks run in Indiana, Solimine solidified her spot in the East Prelims in the women's 10,000 meter. Familiar with the NCAA test after previous experience in the NCAA Cross Country Championships, Solimine hopes to stand out in the semifinal field after capturing a collegiate-best time of 34:25.82 at the 2022 Virginia Challenge.
 
"Jenna's improvement over the last five years is one of the main reasons the women have won the last two America East Championships," said Gardner. "She's capping off her career with an outstanding senior year."
 
Holmes and Kotowski open the four-day stint for UMass Lowell on Wednesday, May 25, when Holmes takes on the first round of the men's 1,500 meter at 6:30 p.m. and Kotowski tackles the opening round of the javelin throw at 2 p.m. For a full schedule of events, please visit NCAA Championship Central.