On Friday afternoon, senior Jonathan Erickson and sophomore Sam Wagner of the Vassar College men’s track team ran NCAA Provisional qualifying times in the 800 meters at the ECAC Outdoor Championships at Moravian College. On Sunday, they’ll learn if their performances were good enough to make school history.
In the four years since Vassar introduced a track program, the school has never had a runner qualify for nationals, although a few have come close. With sophomore Kelly Holmes earning a spot in the 800 meters on the women’s side, the Brewers have a chance with Erickson and Wagner to send three runners to the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships at Ohio Wesleyan on May 26-28.
Erickson, who won the second of three heats run with a 1:51.76 time, was able to watch his teammate Wagner win the third heat with a 1:51.29 finish. Wagner’s performance was the best of 17 runners competing, while Erickson’s time was third best overall.
