The Worcester State University men’s outdoor track & field team was supposed to compete for a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference championship over the weekend, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the team’s outdoor season to be cancelled before the first meet. The Athletic Department would like to honor the five members of the senior class who missed out on their opportunity to compete for one last conference crown.
The five members of the Class of 2020 have combined to win 12 MASCAC Individual Championships, and won MASCAC Team Championships in both the indoor and outdoor seasons as freshmen in 2017.
***
The first Lancer senior to be honored, hailing from Newton, Mass., is Eddy Acuna.
Eddy is one of the most accomplished throwers in the recent history of Worcester State men’s track & field, and culminated his career this winter with an NCAA Division III All-Region selection in the shot put. Eddy is a five-time MASCAC Individual Champion, winning three indoor shot put championships, as well as a shot put and a discus title in the outdoor season.
"As a coach, an athlete like Eddy is all that you can ask for,” says Worcester State throws coach Shawn McCabe. “From day one, he came into the program and did all that he needed to do in order to succeed in the throwing ring and his performances spoke for themselves. Eddy is as fierce a competitor as I have ever seen and someone that could be counted on to show up, flip the switch, and get the job done for the team, no matter the circumstances. Within the program, Eddy's achievements remain up there with some of the best athletes to wear the Blue and Gold."
Worcester State would like to thank Eddy Acuna for all he has contributed to the men’s track & field program!
***
The second senior to be recognized, from Worcester, Mass., is Eddy Boamah.
Also a member of the Lancer football team, Eddy was one of Worcester State’s top sprinters over the last four years. He won six MASCAC Individual Championships in his time in Worcester, three each in the 200 meter and 400 meter dashes, as well as with the 4x200 meter relay in the 2018-19 indoor season. He was named All-Region in the 400 meter dash in the outdoor season in 2017. He is the program’s all-time record holder in the 400 meter with a time of 47.78 seconds at the 2017 MASCAC Championships.
“Eddy is one of the most talented track & field athletes to attend Worcester State,” says head coach Matthew Swett. “Although soft spoken, his performance was loud. He made a huge impact his freshman year leaving his name in the record books for years to come. As an upperclassman, Eddy worked hard to be a valuable member to the team in many events. He was always willing to try new things if it meant helping the team. Even though many seasons were plagued with nagging injuries, he always gave his best when the team needed it. Such a gifted athlete, he will truly be missed.”
Thank you Eddy Boamah for all you have given to Worcester State!
***
Worcester State’s third senior, from Marblehead, Mass., is Michael Butten.
Michael Butten has been part of two MASCAC Runner Up relay teams in the 4x100 meter relay in the 2017 and 2018 outdoor seasons. He won a MASCAC Championship in the 2019 indoor season, winning the title in the 4x200 meter relay.
“Leader, reliable, disciplined, and hard-working are some of the many words that describe Michael,” says Coach Swett. “ Those great characteristics led him to team captain in his senior year. He led by example, always putting his team first, and worked extremely hard each and every day. Michael was fun to watch develop over the years at Worcester State, and I am proud of the young man he has become.”
Michael Butten, congratulations on your career with the Lancers!
***
The fourth senior, a distance runner from Wakefield, Mass., is Richie Custodio.
Richie was a four-year member of the men’s track & field and cross country teams, and has competed in nine different individual events on the track. His primary event was the 800 meter run, in which he finished fifth to score points in this year’s MASCAC Championships.
“Richie is a fierce competitor and team player,” says head cross country coach DJ Raboin. “He wouldn't hesitate to put the needs and goals of the team before his own personal athletic goals. Once he was on the starting line, both his teammates and coaches knew that he was going to give 100 percent of what he had on that day, no questions asked.”
We would like to thank Richie for his contributions to Worcester State Athletics!
***
Worcester State’s final senior, from Raynham, Mass., is Patrick Donahue.
Patrick Donahue has competed in four years of both cross country and track & field for the Lancers. In his last three meets, dating back to April 2019, Patrick has set personal bests in three different events, most recently running a 5,000 meter time of 16:49.98 at the Emmanuel College Indoor Opener on December 7, 2019.
“Patrick is a well-rounded student-athlete and an excellent leader,” says Coach Raboin. “He led by example both on and off the course and track by being a charismatic teammate and strong academic performer. Patrick has an infectious passion for cross country and track & field that made being his coach and a teammate enjoyable and meaningful.”
We thank Patrick Donahue for his time with the Lancers!
***
On behalf of the entire Worcester State community, we thank Eddy, Eddy, Michael, Richie, and Patrick for their contributions to the men’s track & field program, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
#WooMOTF