NEW ORLEANS, La. - The Manhattanville men's indoor track and field team recorded another program first this week, as the Valiants received the first regional ranking in program history by earning the 30th spot in the Atlantic Region according to the U.S Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), released on Tuesday afternoon.

The recognition is the first time in the four-year history of the program that either Valiant track team has received a regional ranking. According to head coach Mike Owens, this is just the next step in the continued growth of track & field at Manhattanville.

"I'm glad to see the hard work that the team puts is starting to be recognized," said Owens. "We are certainly not the largest team, but everyone works hard at the track and in the classroom. It's nice to see as we reach the midpoint of the season with the Springfield, Boston University, and MAC Championship meets approaching."

The team has been led by junior Bill Motherway (Kings Park, N.Y./Kings Park) in the high jump, as he has posted the best height in the Middle Atlantic Conference and the best mark in program history with a top mark of 1.91 meters on January 20 at the Great Dane Classic. Senior Morrison Boateng (Bronx, N.Y./UAAHC) also made his 2012 debut last weekend and posted a career-best time of 23.77 in the 200 meters, the third-best time in the MAC so far this year.

The Valiant indoor track & field teams will return to action on Saturday, as Manhattanville takes part in the Springfield Invitational beginning at noon.