April 27, 2007

WASHINGTON - The American University men's track team opened its 2007 Penn Relays with a ninth-place finish in the college section of the distance medley relay Thursday afternoon. The Eagles team of Brian McCabe, Alex Caudana, Dustin Emrani and Carlos Jamieson ran 10:04.40, the fifth-fastest outdoor time in school history.

Pitted against 20 teams in the college section, American was looking for its third win in five years. In his second race back from an injury that kept him out for more than three weeks, McCabe briefly led the opening 1200m leg with 400m to go, but slowed over the last 200m and handed off in 3:07, a few seconds back of the leaders. Caudana took the 400m leg through in 50 point and gave the baton to Emrani who split right around 1:50 in for 800m. On anchor, Jamieson struggled in his first Penn race, splitting 4:17 to bring AU home in 10:04.40 in ninth-place. The time was still good for fifth in the AU record books.

Head coach Matt Centrowitz's son, Matt Jr. also made Penn Relays history, becoming the first high school athlete in the history of the relays to win the mile and 3000m. Thursday afternoon, Matt Jr. broke the more than 30 year-old Penn high school record in the mile, running a personal best 4:08.38 for the win. His victory complements his 3000m championship from 2006.

American returns to the track at Franklin Field tomorrow afternoon for the 4 x Mile Championship of America.