Sports Information Staff Report
February 14, 2004

For the first time in history, the top Division III track and field athletes in the state of Ohio gathered for an elite indoor meet.  Led by their sprint relays, the Beavers lived up to their state rankings with top finishes in both the men's and women's 4x200 meter races.

Bluffton's women's quartet of Cindy Allan, Jana Hammer, Rita Muether, and Kimleeta Davis continued to illustrate the Beavers rise into elite status on the state level, as they placed third in their heat and fourth overall, with another new school record time of 1:50.32.  Davis was also awarded All-Ohio status in the long jump, finishing third overall in that event with a jump of 16 feet.  The men, meanwhile, were led by a strong showing from their sprint relay as well.  The team of Ben Dodds, Aaron Williams, Al Pearson, and Ryan Nusbaum also shaved time off their school record with a time of 1:33.28.  That performance was good enough to place first in their heat and fifth overall.  Both Hammer and Dodds also finished sixth in their respective 55 meter races. 

The men also received scoring performances in the throwing events from sophomore Steve Myers.  Myers once again broke the school record in the weight throw with a best heave of 41' 5", good for fourth place in that event.  On the women's side, Michele Bailey placed fifth in the weight throw.

Bluffton will wrap up their indoor season with a meet this coming Friday night, February 20, at Ohio Northern.