GREENSBORO, N.C.- Monmouth University men's and women's track & field team wrapped up the 2010 NCAA First Round with a number of solid performances at North Carolina A&T on Saturday.

In the men's shot put, junior Vincent Elardo (Forked River, N.J./Lacey) threw 17.55 meters (57'7") to advance from the first round of 48 competitors into the finals. Seeded 16th out of 16 heading into the finals, Elardo equaled his best of 17.68 meters (58'0.25") on his fifth throw to move up two spots. In a competitive field featuring many of the best throwers in the country, Elardo finished 14th - just two spots and six inches away from advancing to the Final Round of the NCAA Championships next week at the University of Oregon. 

"Vinny earned All-Region honors here last year and competed very well again this year," said head coach Joe Compagni.  "It is tough to come that close and miss a chance to make it to the NCAA Finals, but he has really had a tremendous year. He will be back and has an excellent chance to make All-American next year."

In the men's 110 hurdles, graduate student Terrell Gissendanner (Rochester, N.Y./Edison Tech) ran 14.26, the third best time in school history, and just off the school record of 14.20 that he set two weeks ago at the IC4A Championships. Gissendanner's time placed him 26th in the field of 48, just two spots and .05 away from advancing to the next round. Gissendanner also competed in the long jump yesterday.

"Terrell has only been with us for a year, but he did a tremendous job and made the most of every opportunity he had to compete for Monmouth," said Compagni.

In the men's javelin, the Monmouth men were the only team in the nation to have four competitors in the event. Senior Victor Rizzotto (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) led the way for the Hawks in his final meet, finishing 24th with a throw 201'5". Freshman Vince DuVernois (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) threw 197'3" to take 31st overall. Senior Marion Easley (Somerville, N.J./Somerville), also competing in his final meet for Monmouth, threw 190'2" to finish 39th, with junior Eric Paul (Toms River, N.J./Toms River East) not far behind him.

"The men's javelin group was probably the best example of the depth we had in many events this year," said Compagni.  "The group really worked together and push each other to get to a higher level all year long."

Sophomore Symmone Fisher (Coram, N.Y./Longwood) had the top finish for Monmouth's women, throwing 164'11" and taking 39th in the hammer throw.

"Symmone has improved a lot this year and owns the top five throws in school history in the hammer now," said Compagni.  "She gained some more big meet experience this year and can do even bigger things the next two years."

With 11 competitors at the meet, Monmouth had one of the biggest contingents at the First Round of the NCAA Division I Championships of all the schools in the Northeast. The NCAA First Round field at North Carolina A&T featured over 200 schools and more than 2,500 athletes.