COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – A gold medal-winning triple jump by freshman standout Sam Pope put an exclamation point on a strong first day for the Ursinus College men's track and field team at the Centennial Conference Indoor Championships. The Bears finished the day's proceedings with 11 points, placing them fourth with a solid chance to move up even more on Sunday.
Pope's mark of 45-10.75 was nearly three feet better than his closest competition. He became the first member of the Ursinus men's team to take gold in the event since Chris Rountree, who accomplished the feat in 2011 and 2013.
Freshman Adam Friend was eighth in the pole vault (11-11.75), matching his season best, while sophomore Joseph Iuliucci was 14th in the 5k (16:14.31).
The Bears return to the Floy Lewis Bakes Center on Sunday, when the majority of the events will be contested.