[dropcap]D[/dropcap]CU had a very successful run in the IUAA indoor varsities in Athlone IT on February 9th, winning golds in both male and female categories.
DCU men’s team won their twelfth consecutive title and the women won their eleventh, with a total medals haul for DCU of 27.
Overall, 15 were won by the women and 12 by the men.
DCU men’s team put an impressive 101 points on the board, with UL only managing 43. The women’s team also dispatched of UL with a scoreline of 115-45. Beyond the collective success DCU enjoyed, they also had three members break IUAA records.
Elizabeth Morland set a new combined events record of 3985 points, Garry Campbell won the 3000m in 8.16.81 and Matthew Behan beat the 60 metre hurdle record, clocking in at an impressive 7.97.
Many went to support the support the team and Sophie Becker, who finished 1st in the 400m, said: “Everyone is so supportive.
“Even if you’re injured or not competing, most people involved in DCU athletics make the trip to Athlone to support the team and it’s amazing the atmosphere that creates and how well everyone performs.”
Many of the DCU athletes had been performing well going into the event and were confident going into it. Middle-distance runner Lauren Tinkler said: “It was my first time racing the 3k so I was a bit apprehensive going into it.
“But once the gun went off, all of my nerves went away. I finished 5th overall in a time of 10.44. I was really happy with my result.
“Most athletes had already competed in competitions before varsities and had shown great form and ran fast times so we were confident of a good result and retaining the titles,” Becker added.
Hugh Farrell
Image Credit: John S O’Connor/Irish Universities Athletics Association