Springfield, Mass. - April 6, 2009 - After a standout weekend, both Nickel Hay and Nikki Hay were honored for their efforts by the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). Nickel was named the NEWMAC Men's Track Athlete of the Week, while Nikki earned NEWMAC Women's Field Athlete of the Week honors.This marks the second-straight week that athletes from the Springfield track and field programs have been recognized. Nikki Hay won both the NEWMAC Track and Field Athlete of the Week last week, while Steve Headley earned NEWMAC Men's Track Athlete of the Week.
Nickel Hay had an outstanding performance for Springfield as it captured a five-way meet on Saturday, defeating Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, and Stevens Institute. Hay took first in the 400 meters in 49.77 and was a member of the winning 4x100 relay (42.20) and the second-place 4x400 relay (3:29.15).
Nikki Hay continued her phenomenal junior year, helping lead the Pride to a second place finish this weekend. Despite losing to Middlebury by just one point, Hay won the triple jump with an NCAA provisional qualifying distance of 11.41m (37-05.25). She also placed first in the long jump with a leap of 5.33m (17-06.00), winning by a foot.
Ken Klatka, just inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame in October, 2011, enters his 37th season as head coach of the men’s track and field program in 2012-2013. He ranks among the nation’s most successful coaches, with an overall record of 442 wins, 144 losses, and two ties for an impressive .753 winning percentage. Under his direction, Kevin Coyle '12 won the 2011 Division III Indoor Long Jump National Championship.
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