STORRS, Conn. — Day two composed of three men's multi-event athletes competing in the UConn Husky Challenge at UConn. Sophomore Brandon Riley (Weymouth, Mass.) and senior Luke Stelmach (Sterling, Mass.) were both able to go above and beyond, breaking the school record for total points in the heptathlon which was previously held by Dennis Peary.
"I'm obviously excited to start off the year with two guys breaking the heptathlon school record at the season opener even though we trained hard right up to the meet, " said Associate Head Coach Ally Waruch. "Brandon has matured a lot in his newer events. Luke's composure and consistency as a senior was great to watch."
With stellar performances, Riley had led the way with a total of 5,019 points, finishing third overall in the heptathlon, while Stelmach was just behind placing fourth overall at a total of 4,944 points. The former record holder, Dennis Peary, had totaled 4,936 points back in 2019 in the heptathlon.
"Let's go! About time," said Peary.
Starting the day with the 60m hurdles in the men's heptathlon, Stelmach led the River Hawks taking fourth place at a mark of 8.53 while Riley was alongside finishing in fifth place with a time of 8.63. Junior Derek Munroe (Tewksbury, Mass.) followed placing in eleventh at 9.15.
The pole vault was next, this time Munroe led the pack finishing in fifth place, clearing 4.20m. Stelmach posted a seventh-place finish with a 4.00m mark followed by Riley in eighth, clearing 3.90m.
"It's going to be a good year for those three," mentioned Peary.
The men closed out the heptathlon with the 1000m run, where Stelmach claimed third place at a time of 2:54.05, while Riley was next, finishing in fourth with a 2:55.70 mark.
"It's so fun to coach this group, and there's so much room for improvement. I can't wait to see how things progress," added Waruch.
The men look ahead to tomorrow where they will compete at the Early Bird Invite in Boston, Mass. at the TRACK at new balance as well as the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University.
