Dec. 4, 2006

NEW HAVEN, CT - The New Jersey Institute of Technology men's indoor track and field team made its debut on Sunday, facing Sacred Heart in a meet held in the Southern Connecticut State University field house.

The Highlanders, who have made the double move from club to varsity status, coupled with the NJIT athletic program's reclassification to NCAA Division I, lost the meet to Sacred Heart, 66-12.

Coach Al Alonso was satisfied with the showing. "I was pleased with our individual performances," said the coach. "For the most part, our runners made the times we expected and they are showing good progress."

Matt Magnifico and Drew Pennyfeather took first and second in the mile race walk, at 13:16.01 and 13:35.11 respectively.

Akitunde Oyawusi was third in the 55-meter dash (7.14) and Matt Michalec was fifth (7.4). Michalec was fourth in the shot put (10.47 m) and Siraj Elsamra was fifth (9.48 m). Michalec was third in the weight throw (7.17 m) and Elsamra was fourth (4.32 m).

NJIT is slated to compete in a meet at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Rothman Center in Hackensack, NJ, on Sunday, December 10.