GETTYSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall men’s track & field team delivered a strong performance at the Little 3 Meet this weekend, securing six individual event titles in competition against Gettysburg and Dickinson College. Even as Dickinson ultimately claimed the team victory with 147 points, narrowly edging out Gettysburg’s 144, the Diplomats finished a respectable third with a total of 105 points. The meet showcased not only the team’s breadth of talent, but too a promising start to the outdoor season for several key athletes.
Leading the charge for F&M was Alex Olener, who demonstrated his versatility by winning both the 110-meter hurdles, finishing in 17.45 seconds and the triple jump with a leap of 11.75 meters. Olener’s success highlights his dedication and skill as a multi-event athlete. The Diplomats’ dominance extended to the field events, with Kenny Uchida taking the top spot in the long jump (6.29 meters), Austin Hadley winning the discus throw (44.02 meters), and Dustin Stoetzel claiming victory in the javelin throw (53.69 meters).
A Strong Showing in Field Events
The throwing events proved particularly fruitful for Franklin & Marshall. Hadley’s performance in the discus was complemented by a regional qualifying mark in the shot put, signaling his potential for continued success throughout the season. In fact, F&M athletes claimed an impressive 10 of the top five finishes across the four throwing events – shot put, discus, hammer throw, and javelin – demonstrating the depth of talent within that discipline. Hadley also secured second place in the shot put with a throw of 13.41 meters, while Stoetzel added a third-place finish in the hammer throw (41.74 meters) to his weekend’s accomplishments. Ben Ostroski contributed with a third-place finish in the discus (38.59 meters) and a fourth-place finish in the hammer throw (37.53 meters). Benjamin Ford also made his mark, finishing fourth in both the shot put (12.33 meters) and the discus (36.52 meters), and Nate DeRosa took third in the javelin (48.27 meters), with James Martin rounding out the group with a fifth-place finish in the shot put (12.18 meters).
Houff Continues Momentum on the Track
The success wasn’t limited to the field. Zach Houff, fresh off his debut at the NCAA Championship during the indoor season, continued his strong form by winning the 1,500 meters in a time of 4:06.82. Houff’s victory underscores his development as a distance runner and positions him as a key competitor for the Diplomats. Justin Harrison also contributed on the track, securing a third-place finish in the 200 meters with a time of 23.96 seconds. The 4×400 and 4×800 relay teams both finished fourth, showcasing the team’s overall strength and depth.
Bruno’s Versatility and Upcoming Challenges
Greg Bruno demonstrated his versatility by competing in multiple field events, achieving a third-place finish in the triple jump (10.83 meters), fourth in the high jump (1.63 meters), and fifth in the long jump (1.63 meters). His ability to contribute across different disciplines adds valuable flexibility to the team’s lineup.
Looking ahead, the Franklin & Marshall men’s track & field team will enjoy a week off before a busy stretch of competition. They are scheduled to participate in the Messiah Invitational from April 9-11, followed by the Bucknell Invitational on April 11. A full schedule of events can be found on the F&M Athletics website. These upcoming meets will provide valuable opportunities for the team to refine their performances and prepare for the championship season.
F&M Event Winners
- 1,500 Meters: Zach Houff (4:06.82)
- 110 Hurdles: Alex Olener (17.45)
- Long Jump: Kenny Uchida (6.29m)
- Triple Jump: Alex Olener (11.75m)
- Discus: Austin Hadley (44.02m)
- Javelin: Dustin Stoetzel (53.69m)
The Diplomats’ performance at the Little 3 Meet signals a promising season ahead. With a strong core of athletes and a commitment to excellence, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the coming weeks. Fans can follow the team’s progress and find updated results on the Franklin & Marshall Athletics website.
Do you have thoughts on the Diplomats’ performance? Share your comments below and connect with us on social media for the latest updates.
