The Charlotte men’s and women’s team captured the final 2013 Atlantic 10 Indoor Championship titles Feb. 17 at Mackal Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of Rhode Island.
Both the men’s and women’s teams entered Sunday’s competition in second place but erased a point deficit following several conference record-breaking performances. The 49ers took over the sprints and hurdles where several athletes won titles and saw more great efforts in the field events on Sunday.
The women’s team captured its second consecutive A-10 Indoor Championship finished with a team score of 142.50. The Niners have dominated the conference indoor championships and collected a conference-leading seven titles.
Runner-up Rhode Island finished with a total of 89 points. Rounding out the standings was VCU (86.5), Dayton (76), Richmond (72), Duquesne (60), Saint Louis (55), Temple (52), Butler (39), Fordham (32), La Salle (24), Massachusetts (22.5), Saint Joseph’s (15) and Xavier (12.5).
The men’s team won its fifth conference championship, their first since 2010. Charlotte finished with a team score of 190.50. Sunday’s dual title marks the fifth time that the Niners have swept the indoor championships.
Runner-up Rhode Island finished with 166 points. Rounding out the standings was Saint Joseph’s (78), Butler (68), La Salle (60), Fordham (58), VCU (52), Temple (34), Massachusetts (28.5), Xavier (21), Saint Louis (15), and Richmond (9).
Charlotte, who is moving to Conference USA next season left its mark on the Atlantic 10 as it finished with a total of six conference records, 13 titles and 30 All-A-10 team honors. Individuals who finished in the top three received first, second and third team honors.
49ers coach Robert Olesen was named the Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s team. He has achieved that honor nine times during the indoor season since Charlotte joined the A-10.
"It was an amazing weekend, 48 hours of adrenaline and excitement in pursuit of simultaneous championships," Olesen said. "It’s very gratifying to end our A10 indoor participation with these victories. The competitive environment provided by the conference teams and the longtime host of the indoor championship meet URI is much appreciated."