Worcester State’s Outdoor Track & Field Throwers Earn MASCAC Weekly Awards

WORCESTER, Mass. – Two Worcester State University throwers of the men’s and women’s outdoor track & field teams have been awarded with Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) awards for the week of May 16-22.

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field:

Freshman Marcus Vieira (Peabody, Mass.) was tabbed the MASCAC Rookie of the Week after placing 14^th in the hammer throw at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships. Vieira threw for a distance of 48.92m.

He currently is the third ranked freshman in the nation at 50.98m (personal record) which he recorded at the Fitchburg State Eric Loeschner Invitational on April 16.

"Marcus had an outstanding freshman year," stated head coach Al Halper.  "It is great to see him acknowledged for his accomplishments again this week.  He has a great collegiate career ahead of him especially in the hammer throw."

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field:

Worcester State’s Molly Downing (Dedham, Mass.) was named the MASCAC field athlete of the week for her performance at the ECAC Championships hosted by Westfield State on Thursday-Friday.

“Molly has had a phenomenal senior year,” commented head coach Andrea Ouellete.  “She has been working hard and achieving many of her goals.”

Downing finished eighth place in the hammer throw with a top throw of 47.58m, marking a Worcester State University school record.

“To finish off her career with a personal record and a school record at her final meet is just the cherry on top,” added Ouellette.

Honor Roll

Junior Sam Weeks (Methuen, Mass.) finished ninth place in the shot put (15.47m), 11^th place in the discus (43.34m), and 12^th place in the hammer throw (49.76m) at the ECAC Division III Championship.

Senior Dalena Le (Worcester, Mass.) came in 10^th place in the 400 meter hurdles (1:04.81) at the ECAC Division III Championship.