Both the men's and women's track teams wrapped up their respective seasons almost two weeks after final exams. The men sent a record number of qualifiers, 11, to the Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association of America (IC4A) meet at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., May 22-25. Meanwhile, rising senior Kim Voyticky was the Blue Devils' lone representative at the Reebok Invitational at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, competing on May 24.
Voyticky capped off her junior season in fine fashion as she ran an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 2:08.67 in the 800 meters. In doing so, Voyticky captured the second section of competition in the event and thrust her name into the national picture in the 800.
"It was definitely something that I expected-ever since the beginning of last summer and all throughout the indoor and outdoor seasons," Voyticky said. "It's kind of an honor to finally have garnered it, and it sets me up well for next year to make a name in the country in the 800. While I think it's a good time, I definitely think that I can do better."
The men enjoyed most of their success at the prestigious IC4As in the long-distance events. Rising senior Mike Park ran a personal-best 3:50.89 in the 1,500 meters, to finish fifth in the third heat. According to associate men's head coach Norm Ogilvie, the time translates roughly into a 4:07 mile.
Tom Becker completed his second season as a Blue Devil by placing 12th overall in the 10,000 meters with a time of 30:44.5. With six seniors in the field finishing ahead of him, Becker is in position to be among the nation's top 10,000-meter runners next season.
Darin Mellinger completed his Duke career by finishing 20th in the 37-runner 10,000-meter field with a time of 31:36.4.
Also competing in the last event of his collegiate career, Matt Haywood ran the steeplechase in a time of 9:22.65. Haywood leaves as the Blue Devils' top steeplechaser for the last two years.
Jesse Allen entered the IC4As ranked third nationally in the 400-meter hurdles, but after being hampered for the last month by a sore hamstring, was forced to pull out after the fourth hurdle upon re-aggravating the injury.
Brian McCulley rounded out the individual Duke competitors, finishing the 800 with a time of 1:51.94.
The Blue Devils also sent their 4x800 relay team to the meet, but chose not to run their 'A' team. James Vasak grabbed the lead for Duke with a 1:53.5, but Matt Diglio, Danny Schuman and Jeremy Walker were unable to maintain the advantage. Duke finished in 7:39.17-fourth place in its heat.
The men's team finished the year with its highest Atlantic Coast Conference finish in years. Nine members graduated from this year's squad, only three of which were among the group of 11 Blue Devils to compete at the IC4As.
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