The talented young throwers of Boston University’s outdoor track and field team took center stage Saturday at the Husky Invitational in Dedham.
Freshman Dan Withrow placed second in the discus with a distance of 47.95 meters, while sophomore Chase Carnahan threw 41.99m and finished ninth. Senior Dan Martin joined the underclassmen in the Top-10 rankings with a throw of 43.37m, good for sixth.
BU coach Robyne Johnson said she was especially impressed by Withrow among the discus throwers.
“Dan’s doing very well for a freshman and learning a lot,” Johnson said. “Our strength in this event is extremely important to the team. Their ability will definitely help our placing in the conference.”
BU’s lone female representative, freshmen Jen Fleser, placed eighth in the hammer throw with a distance of 38.65m. Withrow also competed in the hammer throw, placing ninth with a toss of 42.07m.
“Jen was our only thrower,” Johnson said. “This meet is so important since she couldn’t practice it indoors over the winter. Now she got her feet wet and got some marks she can work with over the season.
“We needed this meet,’ she continued. “Although we only had seven athletes, we needed to know where to go from the start of the season and how to work from there.”
Senior Andy Beatman finished 10th in the javelin with a throw of 49.03m, junior Chris Conroy threw 42.31m to place 20th and junior Michael Salem took 26th with a toss of 35.82 meters.
Based on the individual performances, Johnson said she predicted a successful upcoming season.
“I think we’re going to do exceptionally well since we’re coming of an excellent indoor season, especially the women’s team,” Johnson said. “And with the men’s team, we have some guys coming back I think will make a big difference to make an overall great outdoor team.”
After a quick one-day meet, Johnson is already thinking about this Saturday’s Tufts Invitational in Medford. The meet will be an all-day event.
“Next week we have to go out and really test the elements,” Johnson said. “It’s one of our first chances to get outdoors and do our best. This Northeast weather can be tough, so we have to see how it turns out.”
