December 11, 2007 - Rider’s Kajunski, Smith Honored by MAAC
December 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
College Track & Field
Rider’s Kajunski, Smith Honored by MAAC
EDISON—Junior Kelly Kajunski (Glenmore, Pa./Downington East) and senior John Smith (Cliffwood Beach/Matawan) of the Rider University Indoor Track & Field teams were named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Performers of the Week for all competition December 4-10.
Last week at the New Year’s Invitational at Princeton University’s Jadwin Gym, Kajunski won the high jump with an ECAC qualifying height of 1.70 meters (5’7”).
“Kelly is ahead of schedule already in her preparation,” said Rider head coach Rob Pasquariello. “Kelly is the person who the other athletes are going to look to and her consistency is going to allow her to stand on her own. Kelly is developing into a leader, a take charge type of kid and is doing everything we have asked of her.”
"It was surprising recieving this honor the first meet out," Kajunski said. "Recieving this award, especially for two athletes on the same team shows how strong our team can be and how hard we are willing to work to get results like these."
Smith won the 3000 meter race with a personal best time of 8:44.42. The second place runner finished over 11 seconds behind Smith’s pace.
"I've never received the MAAC Performer of the Week award before so it feels good to receive the honor," Smith said.
“John just picked up right where he left off from cross country season,” said Pasquariello. “He led our distance squad today.” Smith placed 14th at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference cross country championships in October, earning All-MAAC honors for the third time in his career.
At Princeton Rider was competing against Loyola, Rutgers, Monmouth, Temple and host Princeton. “The meet is a very good meet to open with,” Pasquariello said about the competition. “All of the fields were solid and gave our athletes a chance to test themselves right out of the blocks.”
"It's very good for Rider to receive this recogniton," Smith added. "It shows that the program is building in the right direction, due to the performances from the athletes and the leadership of the coaching staff."
Rider competes again January 12 at the Penn State Relays.
-RU-
