The men’s and women’s track and field teams will compete at the Northeast Conference Championships on May 4-5 at Central Connecticut State.
The men’s team is looking to improve on its third-place finish from last year, while the women’s squad is looking to secure its fourth consecutive NEC title.
For Rhoda Alabon-Tafon, a fifth-year nursing student, this will be her final NEC outdoor championship. She is optimistic about the women’s team’s chances for another NEC title.
Alabon-Tafon plans to compete in the 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay this year. She won a bronze medal in the 400m run at the NEC finals in 2023.
“It has meant a lot to be on this team for the past five years, and it has had a lot to do with who I have become today,” said Alabon-Tafon.
“I’ve learned how to be a leader, how to embrace failure, how to be humble and how to be grateful for all the little achievements life has to offer.
“I am grateful for all I have achieved so far, and I hope to take the lessons I have learned while running to guide me throughout life,” said the Glen Burnie, Maryland native.
Under the guidance of new sprints coach Chris Frederick, sprinter Julian Saunders believes the team has made significant progress.
Frederick returned to Saint Francis last September. He competed at SFU from 2017-21 and is one of the most successful sprinters in program history.
“I think Coach Frederick is very knowledgeable about our event groups,” said Saunders, a junior from Boyertown, Pennsylvania. “Whenever someone asks a question, he knows how to answer in the most efficient way possible.
“I hope that the team earns enough points for a championship win – that will allow me to get a ring with my name on it.”
Freshman Anna Quackenbush has emerged as a top competitor in the distance events for SFU this season. She secured a victory in the 1500m run at the York Twilight Invitational on March 27 and also posted an impressive time in the 10k at that event.
At the NEC Championships, Quackenbush will compete in the 5k and 10k events.
“I think that winning is a possibility for us this year,” said the Physician Assistant Science major. “Mostly, though, I just want everyone to go out and do their best and have fun while competing.”
Shane Curran, a junior Occupational Therapy major, is excited to compete in the distance events at next month’s championships after a year of setbacks and injury.
“I hope that the men’s team can compete to the best of their abilities,” said Curran. “We have all been looking great during practice in recent weeks.”
Prior to the NEC Championships, the track and field teams will host the Red Flash Open this Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m.
