WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester State University’s freshman Marcus Vieira (Peabody, Mass.) was tabbed the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men’s Indoor Track & Field Rookie of the Week.

Vieira finished fourth in the weight throw with a top distance of 45’ 2.25” (13.77m) and 10^th in the shot put with a top throw of 40’ 9” (12.42m) at the UMass Boston Invitational this Saturday.

"Marcus had a solid opening day to his first collegiate season," stated head caoch Al Halper. "He is a talented "throws" athlete who will make a huge impact for our team as a freshman. As the season continues, I expect he will qualify for all of the post season meets. At some point as he continues to progress in his collegiate career, hopefully sooner than later, he should earn the opportunity to compete at the NCAA nationals in one or more of his events."

“While many upperclassmen had solid performances, the new freshmen class was impressive and contributed much to the team’s overall successes at the meet,” stated Halper. “As the experienced veteran’s continue to progress and lead as they have from the beginning, the freshmen as well as the sophomore class can also contribute a great deal.”

“We show that we can be a highly competitive and complete team with a good deal of depth,” said Halper. “That combination is always a great formula for a successful season.”

Honor Roll:

Junior center, Paul Brooks (Arlington, Mass.) averaged 13.3 points and 9.7 rebounds in a 2-1 week for the Lancers. He had 12 points and six rebounds in the loss to UMass Dartmouth, and scored nine points with five rebounds in the 82-60 win over Rivier University in the opening round of the Hockenbury Classic. Brooks then recorded a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds in the 71-50 Hockenbury Classic Championship game victory over Norwich University while also earning All-Tournament team honors.

Sophomore indoor track & field student-athlete, Markiesh Harmon (Leominster, Mass.), finished second in the long jump (21’ 9”/6.63m), 10^th in the high jump (6’ 0.75”/1.85m) and 13^th in the triple jump (41’ 3.75”/12.59m) at the UMass Boston Invitational. He qualified for DIII NE in the long jump.

Senior track & field student-athlete, Francesca Casasanta (Milford, Mass.) tied for third place in the women’s high jump, clearing a top height of 5’ 1” (1.55m) at the UMass Boston Invitational.

Sophomore Emily Visconti (N. Reading, Mass.) finished 18^th in the 200m dash with a time of 27.17 and 31^st in the 60m dash with a time of 8.42 at the UMass Boston Invitational.

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