BOSTON – Northeastern director of track & field and cross country and CAA Track and Field Coach of the Year
Cathrine Erickson announced 21 Huskies will be added to the men's 2015-16 roster. This marks the programs largest recruiting class since Erickson took the reigns in 2012, bringing in 45 student-athletes this year between the men's and women's teams.
The class of 2019 earned stand-out achievements before joining Northeastern. Collectively, the group racked-up more than 50 school records, nine state championships, 29 New England qualifiers and 35 New Balance qualifiers. The class also consists of 17 former team captains, six All-Americans and two national champions.
Coach Erickson and her staff are confident that the fresh talent will add to the continuing success of the program, which took home the CAA Outdoor Championship for the first time in program history last year, complemented by a first-place finish in the Indoor New England Championships.
The incoming student-athletes will be expected to build upon a year that produced 264 personal bests, 282 New England qualifiers, 164 IC4A qualifiers, 82 program top-10s, five NCAA qualifiers, and seven school records.
"Our coaching staff not only recruited talented and academically-oriented student-athletes, but also young men with character that will make all associated with the program proud," said Erickson. "When we add this group to the returning New England Championship and CAA Championship teams, we are bound to have a great year."
Fourteen newcomers will stay close to home, with 11 from Massachusetts, two from Rhode Island and one from Connecticut. Three student-athletes will make their way from New York, as well as one student-athlete from Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania each. The team also welcomes a fifth-year student-athlete formerly at Harvard, originally from Kenya.
Outside of competition, the incoming class will also help improve the team's cumulative 3.250 grade point average (GPA), which earned the highest mark of the Huskies' men's teams in 2014-15.
"Our men's team is serious about being successful, both in the classroom and on the track, and this group is aware of the expectations in front of them," said Erickson. "These young men are coming to Northeastern to be a part of a championship program, and I expect that they will all be wearing championship rings by the time their career is over."
Check out the 2015-16 men's cross country and track and field recruiting class below.
Shawn BleichertSprints/Hurdles | Clifton Park, N.Y. | Shenendahowa High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed third at the 2015 N.Y. State Outdoor Championships in the 100-meter hurdles• 2013, 2014, and 2015 N.Y. Section 2 Group state champion in the 100-meter hurdles• Placed fourth at the 2014 N.Y. State Outdoor Championships in the 100-meter hurdles• Placed second at the 2015 N.Y. State Indoor Championships in the 55-meter hurdles• 2013 and 2015 N.Y. Section 2 Division champion in the 55-meter hurdlesBleichert's Personal Bests:• 55-meter hurdles – 7.45
• 110-meter hurdles – 14.30
Coach Erickson on Bleichert: Shawn is a bright young man who will be fun to have in the program. He is talented and will provide some enthusiasm in all facets that surround the program. I am looking forward to seeing Shawn work hard in practices and push our relay squad as they pursue the championships qualifying performances of years past.
Kevin BoudreauLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Windsor, Conn. | Windsor High School
Before Northeastern:• Competed at the 2015 New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the 4x400-meter relay Boudreau's Personal Bests:• 400-meter dash – 49.6 (relay split) • 600-meter run – 1:26.22 Coach Erickson on Boudreau: Kevin is a determined and hard working athlete who is going to help us right away by being a utility guy on the long sprint and middle distance relays. We are looking forward to Kevin bringing his hardworking attitude to the program next year.
Connor DonovanLong Sprints/Middle Distance | North Easton, Mass. | Oliver Ames High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed fourth at the 2015 New England Indoor Championships in the 1000-meter run• Placed sixth at the 2015 Indoor Mass. All State Meet in the 1000-meter run• Placed fourth at the 2014 Mass. State Championships in the 800-meter run• Placed sixth at the 2014 Indoor Mass. All State Meet in the 1000-meter run Donovan's Personal Bests:• 800-meter run – 1:53.71• 1000-meter run – 2:30.86 Coach Erickson on Donovan: I am extremely excited to be adding Connor to the program. Connor is a raw talent who we feel will really take off in college. Connor has Northeastern running in his blood as his father ran for the Husky's and we couldn't be more proud than to have the son of a former student-athlete competing for us next year.
Mike DugganDistance | Mansfield, Mass. | Mansfield High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed second at the 2015 Mass. State Indoor Championship in the mile• Placed 14th at the 2014 Mass. All State Cross Country Championships• Placed third at the 2014 Mass. Eastern States Cross Country Championships• Placed fourth at the 2013 Mass. Eastern States Cross Country Championships• School record holder in the outdoor 4x800-meter relay Duggan's Personal Bests:• Mile – 4:18.32• Two-mile run – 9:28.70• 5k – 15:45 Coach Erickson on Duggan: Mike is a great addition to our program and we couldn't be more excited to have him running for the Huskies. His potential has no ceiling and the fact that he is one of the best kids from the state of Massachusetts, we knew right away that we wanted him running for our program. We are anticipating a great running career for one of our hometown guys.
Bobby DunnSprints/Hurdles/Jumps | Clifton, Va. | Centerville High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed eighth at the 2013 VHSL State Cross Country Championships Dunn's Personal Best:• 1600-meter run – 4:24.73• 5k – 15:56 Coach Erickson on Dunn: Bobby is a great kid with a bright, outgoing personality. He has a record of running well at the championship level, and we expect him to continue that trend in the coming years. We know that Bobby will be highly motivated to compete at the CAA level and we can't wait to see what he accomplishes as a Husky.
Collins EbozueSprints | Boston, Mass. | Weston High School
Before Northeastern:• 2014 Eastern Division 4 champion in the 100-meter dash• 2014 Eastern Division 4 champion in the 55-meter dashEbozu's Personal Bests:• 100-meter dash –10.85• 55-meter dash – 6.50 Coach Erickson on Ebozue: I am very excited that Collins has decided to become a Husky. He will help us create some solid depth in the short sprints and I feel as though he will develop into a solid contributor in the short relays and short sprints.
James FerreraLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Braintree, Mass. | Thayer Academy
Before Northeastern:• 2015 ISTL Mass. state champion in the 300-meter hurdles• 2014 ISTA Mass. state champion in the 400-meter Ferrera's Personal Bests:• 400-meter dash – 49.69• 300-meter hurdles – 41.26 Coach Erickson on Ferrera: James is going to be a strong utility guy for us providing depth in the relay pool and the middle distance events. I know James will be able to handle the demands of college track while focusing on his academic pursuits. We are looking forward to James joining us.
Chris JewettLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Woburn, Mass. | Woburn High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed fourth at the 2015 Outdoor New England Championships in the 400-meter dash• Placed fourth at the 2015 Outdoor Mass. All State Meet in the 400-meter dash• 2015 Indoor Mass. all state champion in the 300-meter dash Jewett's Personal Bests:• 300-meter dash – 34.84• 400-meter dash – 48.78 Coach Erickson on Jewett: Chris is a local talent that we are excited about adding to the program. He has come to us highly regarded by his coach and we know Chris will be someone who we will be able to rely on for the relays and the open events. Chris has a wide range and it will be fun to see how he grows as a student-athlete in training and competition.
Hayden KilpatrickHurdles/Multis | Mashpee, Mass. | Tabor Academy
Before Northeastern:• 2015 Mass. ISTL champion in the 110-meter hurdles• 2015 Mass. ISTL runner-up in the 300-meter hurdles• 2014 Mass. ISTA champion in the 110-meter hurdles• 2014 Mass. ISTA champion in the 300-meter hurdles Kilpatrick's Personal Bests:• 110-meter hurdles – 14.94• 300-meter hurdles – 39.84 Coach Erickson on Kilpatrick: Hayden was the first student-athlete to commit to the program out of the current recruiting class. When he committed to Northeastern on his recruiting trip, he knew that he was at the right place and we knew that Hayden was going to be a solid fixture for us to build a recruiting class around. We are excited about Hayden's ability to be decisive and determined and think that Hayden will be a great teammate. He will be a member of the program in which everyone will be able to count on for the next five years.
Justin MarcantonioLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Centerville, Mass. | Boston College High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed fourth at the 2015 Indoor Mass. All State Meet in the 600-meter run• Placed second at the 2014 Outdoor Mass. Eastern Division 1 Meet in the 800-meter run• Placed third at the 2014 Indoor New England Championships in the 600-meter run• Placed third at the 2014 Indoor Mass. All State Meet in the 600-meter run Marcantonio's Personal Bests:• 400-meter dash – 50.38• 600-meter run – 1:20.89• 800-meter run – 1:56.27 Coach Erickson on Marcantonio: I believe Justin will be a guy who will help push the other guys in the long sprints and middle distance group and developing a competitive environment will only help our guys prepare for the championships. I am excited to have Justin join our program and am looking forward to how he will contribute over the course of his career.
Nephat MaritimDistance | Harvard (fifth year graduate student) | Kericho, Kenya | Mang'u
Before Northeastern:• Placed 44th at the 2014 NCAA Northeast Region Cross Country Championships• Placed 32nd at the 2014 Paul Short Cross Country Invitational• Placed sixth at the 2015 Penn Relays in the 3000-meter steeplechase• Placed 10th at the 2013 Ivy League Indoor Championships in the 1000-meter dash Maritim's Personal Bests:• Mile – 4:10.75• 3000-meter steeplechase – 9:21.28• 8k – 24:31 Coach Erickson on Maritim: I am thrilled that Neph has decided to be a part of the Husky program. I have watched Neph develop as a student-athlete while I was on staff at Harvard and I am so impressed with how hard he has worked to get to where he is, athletically and academically. I can't be more pleased with the fact that Neph wants to use his last year of eligibility at Northeastern while pursuing his graduate studies in our CPS program.
Scott McCluskeyDistance | Bridgewater, Mass. | Coyle & Cassidy High School
Before Northeastern:• 2014 runner-up at the Mass. Division 6 Eastern State Championships• Placed 13th at the 2014 Mass. Division 2 All State in Cross Country McCluskey's Personal Bests:• Mile – 4:28.19• 5k – 16:16 Coach Erickson on McCluskey: I am looking forward to seeing how Scott matures as a distance student-athlete. He likes to get in the pack and race and watching him race, you can really tell that he will be one of those guys who likes to compete. I anticipate Scott will be a contributor over the course of his career.
Nate McLachlanMultis | Brewyn, Pa. | Connestoga High School
Before Northeastern:• 2015 Central League champion in the 300-meter hurdles
McLachlan's Personal Bests: • 110-meter hurdles – 14.97
• 300-meter hurdles – 39.62
Coach Erickson on McLachlan: Nathan has only been involved in the sport for two years. He has done a multitude of different events and we are relying on the fact that he will be a versatile athlete for us. He is athletic and a hard working, respectful individual who is captain potential for our program in several years.
Tucker McNinchDistance | Lenox, Mass. | Lenox High School
Before Northeastern:• 2013, 2014 Mass. Western Division Cross Country champion• Placed 10th at the 2014 Mass. All State Division 2 Cross Country Championships• School record holder in the outdoor 4x800-meter relay McNinch's Personal Bests: • Two-mile run – 9:38.18• 5k – 15:21 Coach Erickson on the McNinch: Tucker is a fantastic addition to our program. We anticipate Tucker will come and make an impact right away in cross country and on the track. More importantly, we really feel as though Tucker has found a home away from home at Northeastern and we have gained a great family in the McNinchs.
Gunnar NolanLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Freeport, N.Y. | Chaminade High School
Before Northeastern:• Member of 2014 Indoor National Championship in the 4x800-meter relay• 2014 CHSAA champion in the 1000-meter run Nolan's Personal Bests:• 600-meter run – 1:22.31• 800-meter run – 1:55.53• Mile – 4:20.17 Coach Erickson on Nolan: Gunnar knows what it is like to win at the national level and we are looking forward to him bringing that experience into the team. Adding these experiences to his talent, we see Gunnar making huge jumps in his individual and relay events next year and making an immediate impact at the New England and IC4A Championships right away.
Dan PaivaDistance | Greenville, R.I. | LaSalle Academy
Before Northeastern:• 2015 Indoor national champion in the 4x mile relay• 2015 Penn Relays champion in the distance medley relay• Placed third at the 2015 New England Indoor Championships in the mile• Placed ninth at the 2015 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in the mile• Placed ninth at the 2015 New England Outdoor Championships in the 800-meter run• Placed fourth at the 2015 R.I. Outdoor All State Championships in the 800-meter run• Placed third at the 2014 R.I. All State Cross Country Championships• Placed 23rd at the 2014 Nike Cross Country Nationals NE Region• Placed 12th at the 2013 R.I. All State Cross Country Championships Paiva's Personal Bests:• 800-meter run – 1:57.38• Mile – 4:17.23• 3000-meter run – 8:47.80• 5k – 15:45 Coach Erickson on Paiva: Dan is coming to Northeastern from a very respectable prep program, which has had a tradition of excellence on the track and in the classroom. His experience winning at the national level in a relay and in the Grand Prix mile proves that he is ready for the big stage. We are going to be able to rely on Dan to be a contributor for the team, but also know he will be reaching national levels as a individual.
Michael PotterDistance | North Kingstown, R.I. | Bishop Hendricken High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed 14th at the 2014 New England Indoor Championships in the two-mile run• Placed seventh at the 2014 R.I. All State Outdoor Championships in the 3000-meter run• Placed fifth at the 2014 R.I. All State Indoor Championships in the 3000-meter run• Placed 18th at the 2012 New Balance Nationals Outdoor Championships in the 5000-meter run• Placed fourth at the 2012 R.I. All State Outdoor Championships in the 3000-meter run• Placed seventh at the 2012 R.I. All State Indoor Championships in the 3000-meter run• Placed 19th at the 2011 Nike Cross Country Nationals New England Region Potter's Personal Bests:• 3000-meter run – 8:48.95• 5k – 15:35 Coach Erickson on Potter: Michael is ready to move up to some of the further distances and increased mileage that is required to be successful in college. We know he will be able to do the work and with the support that Northeastern will offer in coaching and in his athletic pursuits, Michael will take off as a Husky.
Marc RienasLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Old Tappan, N.J. | Northern Valley High School - Old Tappan
Before Northeastern:• 2015 N.J. Meet of Champions runner-up in the 800-meter run• Runner-up at the New Balance Nationals in the outdoor sprint medley relay• Placed 11th at the Outdoor USATF Jr. Championships in the 800-meter run• 2015 Outdoor N.J. group and sectional champion in the 1600-meter run• Placed third at the 2015 Indoor N.J. Meet of Champs in the 800-meter run Rienas' Personal Bests: • 800-meter run – 1:51.08• 1600-meter run – 4:12.67 Coach Erickson on Rienas: Marc is an extraordinary talent. Because he has only been running for two years, his natural competitiveness and drive have been the major contributing factors to his overall successes during his prep career. We expect Marc to be one of the best middle distance student-athletes in the history of Northeastern track and field by the time he graduates.
Kurt RobakiewiczMultis/Jumps | Upton, Mass. | Nipmuc High School
Before Northeastern:• 2014 and 2015 Outdoor New England champion in the triple jump
• Placed sixth at the 2015 Outdoor New England Championships in the long jump
• Placed second at the 2015 Mass. Outdoor All State Meet in the triple jump
• Placed fourth at the 2015 Mass. Outdoor All State Meet in the long jump
• 2014 Mass. Outdoor All State Meet champion in the triple jump
• Placed fourth at the 2014 Mass. Outdoor All State Meet in the long jump
Robakiewicz's Personal Bests:• Triple jump – 46-11.25"
• Long jump – 21' 10.75"
Coach Erickson on Rabakiewicz: Kurt is coming into the program where we need some help, specifically in the triple jump. I am confident that Kurt will become a great contributor for us. I expect Kurt to contribute at the New England Championship and CAA level.
Dan RomanoDistance | Mansfield, Mass. | Mansfield High School
Before Northeastern:• Ranked No. 10 nationally in the 5000-meter run for 2015
• 2015 Mass. Indoor & Outdoor state champion in the two-mile run
• Placed third at the 2014 Mass. Indoor & Outdoor State Championships in the two-mile run
• Placed sixth at the 2013 Mass. Outdoor State Championships in the two-mile run
• School record holder in the indoor 4x800-meter and indoor distance medley relay
Romano's Personal Bests:• 5000-meter run – 14:55.59
• Two-mile run – 9:20.26
Coach Erickson on Romano: Dan is another great addition to our program. We really feel like he will make a seamless transition to the demands of running in college very well and will be able to handle the mileage without any issues. Dan is a great guy who will contribute for us right away.
Collin RoweLong Sprints/Middle Distance | Clifton Park, N.Y. | Shenendahowa High School
Before Northeastern:• Placed 10th at the 2015 Outdoor N.Y. State Championships in the 800-meter run
• 2015 Section 2 state qualifier champion at 800-meter run
• Anchored the 2015 N.Y. State Championship 4x800-meter relay
Rowe's Personal Bests:• 800-meter run – 1:52.97
• 1000-meter run – 2:31.09
• 1600-meter run – 4:22.10
Coach Erickson on Rowe: Collin is a strong and determined student-athlete. He will enhance the middle distance group in both an academic and athletic settings as he is used to pushing and being pushed by his teammates.
