Jake Texeira Wins 400 Intermediate Hurdles at Bridgewater State Invitational

Local athletes were part of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's track and field team. wjo  turned in a few good performances when they opened their season at the Bridgewater State Invitational at the Edward C. Swenson Athletic Complex Saturday. No team scores were recorded at the meet.

Two Corsairs finished in first place.  In the 400 intermediate hurdles, sophomore Jake Texeira (Seekonk, MA/Seekonk HS) was first in 56.51 seconds, while junior Brett Croteau (Rehoboth, MA/Dighton-Rehoboth HS) placed first in the javelin with a throw of 200 feet, seven inches, which was the third best throw in school history.

In the shot put, freshman Grunde Brandso (Dartmouth, MA/Dartmouth HS) finished second at 48 feet, 1 ½ inches, the fourth best throw outdoors at UMass Dartmouth. Junior Joe Texeira (Seekonk, MA/Seekonk HS) was third in the javelin at 184 feet, seven inches.

Freshman Ashley Motta (Swansea, MA/Case HS) led the women, finishing fourth in the javelin at 126 feet, 4 ¾ inches. It was the sixth best throw in school history, and exceeded her previous personal best mark by 15 feet.

"It was a brutally cold day, and there was a strong crosswind, so for Brett to throw 200 feet was quite an accomplishment," said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Steve Gardiner. "Jake is about where he was at the end of last year, and Ashley threw well in her first meet at UMass Dartmouth. It was a really good day for a handful of people. We weren't originally planning on competing here, but our people asked, so we came. We will open with our full squad next week at Coast Guard."

The Corsairs will travel to Coast Guard next Saturday.