January 21, 2014

FINDLAY, Ohio - The Bluffton University track and field program traveled north to the University of Findlay to participate in the Northwest Ohio Invitational. Several top programs from across the state and region competed on Friday night, including a very talented group of throwers. The Beavers were coming off a short week of training leading up to the competition but were still capable of producing several personal bests, including a school record.

JOSH EDENS (Westerville/Central), after a stellar cross country campaign, has continued to sustain his success through the indoor season. Edens reset his school record in the 3,000 meters on Friday evening, improving his time from earlier in the season. Edens crossed the line in 9:07.97 to set the new standard. Senior MARTIN RUSS (Rocky River) finished the race in a personal-best time as well.

In the throws arena, sophomores JUSTIN YINGST (Houston) and CHASE WALTERS (Convoy/Crestview) led the way for the Beavers. In a very talented field, Yingst set a new personal best in the shot put with a mark of 41'2.25". Walters has continued to excel in the weight throw with another impressive performance, posting a throw of 47'7", just off his personal best and All-Ohio performance from last weekend.

On the day the Beavers posted a total of 10 personal-best performances including a trio in the women's 200m. All things considered, Head Coach Karen Brandt was pleased with the development of her team early in the season. "As I say every week, as we continue to build this program, we are a very young team of freshman and sophomores. We had a disrupted start to the semester which has affected training so I'm pleased with the pace of development we are on.  Our athletes have a strong work ethic and positive attitudes which is foundational to their continued development."

The Beavers will return to Findlay again this Friday and Saturday, January 24-25, to compete in the Findlay Classic. Field events start Friday at 3:30 p.m. with track events commencing at 6:15. The meet resumes Saturday with field events at 9:45 a.m. and track events at 11:25 a.m.

-BEAVERS-