May 3, 2006

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Saint Joseph's men's track prepares to take on defending champs Rhode Island as well as conference-newcomers Charlotte this Saturday and Sunday, May 6th and 7th at the Irwin Belk Track and Field Center at Charlotte.

The Hawks look to extend their gold medal streak in the 4x400m relay to seven consecutive Championships. Last year, the team of Doug Rick, Matt Petrocci, Bobby Staten, and Andrew Thomas took first in 3:17.86. This season, Saint Joseph's fastest time was 3:14.23 at the Duke Invitational, placing them second currently on the A-10 list. The team of Joe Bieret, Petrocci, Staten, and Thomas, who clocked the time at Duke, are expected to run for the gold on Sunday.

Saint Joseph's currently has the A-10's top time this season in the 4x800 (7:37.60), accomplished by Brad Schmidt, Brendan Kearney, Petrocci, and Mike DiDio, who will be running the event on Saturday for the Hawks.

Other expected top performers will be Thomas in the 400m, Petrocci and Schmidt in the 800m, Rich Ryan in the 3,000m Steeple Chase, DiDio in the 1,500m, Teddy Meyers in the 5,000m, and Jeff Jengo in the Javelin.

Overall, the Hawks will compete in 15 events over the two days.