Massasoit Competes In First-Ever Track Meet

DARTMOUTH, Mass. ---- A total of seven student-athletes made history last Saturday afternoon from Massasoit Community College, as the Warriors competed in the school's first-ever track meet. The Warriors along with 34 other colleges and universities took part in the Corsair Classic hosted by UMass Dartmouth.

"It was quite the experience," track coach Ben Warnick said. "It was exciting to see the students go out and compete against some very good competition.  We raced against primarily Division II and Division III schools with a few other junior colleges sprinkled in. It was a good test for our kids and the future is bright. It's all about the journey here in year one."

The seven student-athletes that took part in the invitational lined up in a total of 10 events in either sprints or long distance.

Christarsha Young-Lemar (Brockton) ran the 100-meter dash, marking the first student-athlete to race in a track event for Massasoit.

"My experience was great," Young-Lemar said. "I was excited the whole time for not only myself but also my teammates. I loved all the support that everyone gave me on the team. I'm glad to be a part of the first track team at Massasoit."

Stephanie Villanueva (Whitman), who also competes on the women's soccer team at Massasoit, lined up in the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter as well.

On the men's side, Adam Blanchette (Brockton) became the first male to run for Massasoit, racing in the 100-meter.

"It was a really sweet experience," Blanchette said. "I think we all have a better understanding of what to expect next time out in regards to competition. I know myself and my teammates are really excited about the next meet."

Kyle Henry (Easton) ran both the 100-meter and 200-meter, while Dewayne Hammonds (Brockton) raced in the 200-meter.

Three student-athletes were in the 5,000-meter, with Kerry O'Neil (Stoughton) earning the best finish of the day in the event. O'Neil placed 27^th in the event in a time of 22:35.

Jai Williams (Rockland) and Hammonds battled in the men's 5,000-meter race to close out the day for the Warriors.

"I'm excited about giving the students a new opportunity to compete," Warnick said. "Adding new sports to the athletics department is a very positive sign for the college and hopefully we continue to expand."

The next meet for Massasoit is slated for Saturday, April 19 at Fitchburg State.