By Jordon Bruner, sports information assistant
April 22, 2006

ADA, Ohio - The Bluffton men's and women's track and field teams competed at the Joe Banks Invite on Friday, April 21, 2006.  The women finished third of six, while the men placed fourth of five.

Senior RITA MUETHER (Celina/Celina) had a huge day for the Beavers as she claimed two individual crowns as well as being a part of the winning 4x400 relay team. Muether won the 100m with a time of 12.82 and broke the tape in the 200m crossing the line in 26.24. She led off the 4x400 relay as she, along with CHANTEL MANGRUM (Jackson, Tenn./Jackson Christian), ASHLEY SMITH (Delta/Delta), and LAUREN BAILEY (Columbus/Upper Alrington) won the event with a time of 4:31.37. SARAH HUMPHREY (Upper Sandusky/Upper Sandusky) continued her success winning the 5000m, crossing the line in 19:27.80.

The Bluffton men claimed four event crowns on their way to a fourth place finish. SHANDON NORTH (Galion/Galion) continued his dominance in the 400m as he won the race with a time of 49.57. Senior DAN ROSEBROCK (Napoleon/Napoleon) pulled away from the field to win the 800m in 1:58.16. REX BROWN (Wauson/Pettisville) destroyed the field in the men's javelin with a winning throw of 155' 2". In the men's 5000m, DAVE ESPINOZA (Toledo/Whitmer) brought home the gold for Bluffton running the 12.5 lap race in 18:09.57.

The Beavers return to action on April 29th, when they will travel to Defiance for the HCAC Championships.