With the indoor track and field regular season quickly drawing to an end, the Iona College men’s and women’s track and field teams are finishing out its remaining meets while getting ready for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships.

Transitioning from the cross-country season straight in to the indoor track and field season has been smooth for both Iona teams. Head coach Ricardo Santos is expecting a lot out of his runners, especially the upper classmen, who brings much needed leadership to the teams.

“With Chartt [Miller]m and other older guys like Liam [Dee], Gilbert [Kirui], and Johannes [Motschmann], we’ll be expecting a lot out of them, a lot of senior leadership,” Santos said.  

With 15 underclassmen on the roster, it will be important for the upperclassmen to take charge.

“Those younger freshman and sophomores will be looking up to them,” Santos said. “I expect them to lead with a good example and place well in their events so they can help the younger guys learn from that.”

Senior Chartt Miller had the highest finish for the men’s team in the Terrier Classic at Boston University on Jan. 30. Miller came in 13th place in the mile with a time of 4:03:83. Miller’s finish in the mile was not only recorded as the fastest time in the conference thus far this season but it also earned him MAAC Track Performer of the Week honors.

Senior runners Daniele Martino and Kara McKenna, both finished in the 3,000 meter with new personal best times at the Terrier Classic.

“I think it gives them a lot of confidence, and I think it’s just going to spring board them into even higher heights, not only in the 3,000 meter, but also in the other events they do, like the 5,000 meter and the mile,” Santos said. 

Martino alongside senior Rachel Garn and freshmen, Kaitlyn Ohrtman and Sophie Murphy set the school record with a 9:07.47 time in the women’s 4×800 relay at the 111th NYRR Millrose Games on Feb. 3.

Similar to the men’s team, Santos is expecting the upperclassmen on the women’s team to step up and bring guidance to the younger runners.

“I think a lot of the other girls can look up to them for support and leadership as we’re getting into the bigger races now,” Santos said. 

The Gaels–—being a team that focuses on middle distance and distance events–—are optimistic heading into the final three meets before the conference championship.

“The mile up to the 5k will probably be our more successful races,” Santos said. “I do think that we have a few good young sprinters on the team that can really make an impact in the 60 and 200.”

Additionally, the Gaels will look to add points to their total at the championships in the long jump event. Santos and his Gaels will continue to train and improve their times. 

“I think the biggest thing is doing the little things,” Santos said. “You know it’s always easy to do all the right things in practice. I just really want them to really focus on the things that they can do to improve outside of practice.”

Follow @IonianSports on Twitter and Instagram