The City University of New York Athletic Conference will be holding its 2010 men’s and women’s indoor track and field championships this Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the Armory Track and Field Center located at 216 Washington Avenue in Manhattan. The Lehman College women’s squad will be looking for its third consecutive conference crown, and eighth title in the last 11 years, while the men’s unit will be aiming for its third straight title, and third overall.
The Lehman College women’s team will depend heavily on the performance of Veteran Dorothy Jean-Pierre as she will compete in the 800 meter dash as well as the 1500 meter dash, and she will also run a leg on the 4x400 relay. In addition, Michaelle Garcon production will be important, as she’ll be expected to put together a hearty effort in the 1500 meter dash. Jumper Shanoy Francis, as well as thrower Janina Browne, and sprint specialist Jillene Sennon will also be heavily relied upon to accumulate points for a Lightning squad hungry for another crown. Lehman College head coach Lesleigh Hogg gave his thoughts on the team’s chances this Sunday.
“Our ladies are going to attempt to win another championship, and to do that we’re going to have to give it our all and feed off of the fact that York College is extremely hungry to derail us as the conference champions. The Cardinals are a well-rounded team, and a very talented team, and we know the threat they pose, but I believe our ladies will be ready and are eager to show that they’re up for the challenge.”
On the men’s side for the Lightning, standout Irfan Anwar has put together a phenomenal season, and he will be a Jack-of-all-trades competitor for Lehman College this Sunday night, participating in four different events, including the 800, the 1500, and the 5000, and he’s also going to run a leg on the Lightning’s sprint medley unit. Phillip Akogu production will be key as well, as he will be competing in the long jump, triple jump, and high jump events, and he’ll also try to score points in the 55 meter high hurdle competition as well as the shot-put. Oscar Kamalu will compete in the 800 as well as the 1500, and Andre Gouldbourne will give it his all in the 55 meter dash and the 200 meter dash.
“Our men are definitely focused and have a will to once again be the best, but we know we’re going to have our hands full,” Hogg said. “York College will definitely be our toughest competitor, but City College if extremely talented and hungry as well so we know that we have to perform to the best of our abilities, and I believe the other teams in the conference will push us to do that this weekend.”