RALEIGH, N.C.—The UMass Lowell track and field program kicked off the 2023 outdoor campaign at the 2023 Raleigh Relays hosted by N.C. State, capping the first day of competition with a flurry of personal bests and impressive performances.
Sophomore thrower James Kotowski started the weekend with a stellar showing in the javelin. Kotowski threw to a 66.81m (219'2") distance to capture fifth place overall. With his mark, Kotowski sits amongst the top 20 javelin throwers in the NCAA to open the season.
"James had a good, solid opener. He didn't quite put it all together yet, but he still hit an NCAA qualifying mark," commented Head Coach
Gary Gardner.
The success continued to roll in for the River Hawks as the team transitioned to the track. Junior Joe Young (Dorchester, Mass.) clocked a new personal best in the men's 3,000m steeplechase. The distance veteran shaved nearly 13 seconds off his last fastest time to finish 22nd overall at 8:59.78. Sophomore Wouter Van den Akker (Groningen, Netherlands) tackled the men's 5,000-meter race and came across the finish line with a new career-best mark of 14:36.84.
"Joe ran a 13-second PR and is now definitely in the hunt for an NCAA mark," said Gardner.
Senior Kenzie Doyle (Swansea, Mass.) picked up right where she left off with an impressive performance in the women's 10,000-meter. Racing against a talented field of runners, Doyle landed in tenth overall with a new career-best mark of 33:25.72. Doyle's PR also recorded a brand new school record in the event and is good for the ninth-fastest time in the NCAA this year.
"Kenzie ran a great race. She posted a school record by 42 seconds, the ninth-fastest NCAA time this year and an NCAA qualifying time. It doesn't get much better than said," remarked Gardner. "We still know there is more in the tank which is the best news."
UMass Lowell keeps the action rolling on Friday, March 24, on day two of the Raleigh Relays. Back at home, a crew of River Hawks will represent the team at the 2023 UMass Lowell Invitational at the Cushing Field Athletic Complex. The action kicks off with the field events at 2 p.m.
