Ivanov Earns Top Honors At Holy Cross Decathlon

Carlisle, native qualifies provisionally for NCAA Championships with 6,055 points

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 17, 2009) - Junior Alex Ivanov (Carlisle, Mass./Concord-Carlisle) competed at the Holy Cross Multi Event Meet this week, earning a first place finish and provisionally qualifying for the NCAA Championships with a 6,055 points.

Ivanov earned top honors in a field of 24 competitors, posting 500 points or more in nine out of ten events. The junior standout was consistently solid throughout the meet, recording top three finishes in the 100 meter dash, 400 meter dash, javelin throw and 1500 meter run.

After the first five events, Ivanov held sole possession of second place, notching 3,228 points. He started the day off strong with a third place finish in the 100 meter dash (11.66), while closing the day with a second place finish in the 400 meter dash (51.65). Ivanov added 650 points with a strong showing in the long jump (6.29 meters), while registering a 9.80 meter shot put and 1.82 meter high-jump.

On day two, Ivanov continued his consistency, registering top five finishes in the discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500 meter run. He started the day in the 110 meter hurdles, earning 506 points with a time of 18.19 before posting 552 points in the discus with a throw of 34.40 meters. Ivanov ended the Crusader Invitational with a fearless effort, tallying 549 points in the pole vault (3.75 meters), 549 points in the javelin (47.34 meters) and 671 points in the 1500 meter run (4:41.41).  

Ivanov currently awaits the NCAA provisionally ballot, surpassing the Championship qualifying mark (6,050 points) by five points. Marietta College will play host to the 2009 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships from May 21, 2009 to May 23, 2009.

The Fitchburg State men's and women's track and field teams will be in action again tomorrow as it hosts the Eric Loeschner Memorial meet on Saturday at 11 a.m.