April 11, 2015
DELAWARE, Ohio - In the first meet-day good weather conditions experienced yet this outdoor season, the Bluffton University men's and women's track and field team sent representatives to Ohio Wesleyan University to compete in the All-Ohio Championship. The day produced champions, school records and a number of personal-best performances.
Sophomore TREY EVERETT (Sidney/Fairlawn) definitely earned the mantle of All-Ohio champion with wins in both the long jump (22-6.50) and high jump (6-8.00), besting fields of 25+ competitors in each! Senior JEFF PARKER (Bristol, Ind./Northridge) defended his javelin crown, winning over a field of 19. On the track, freshman SARAH HUNTER (Mt. Blanchard/Riverdale) broke her own recently-established PR and school record, scorching the track over 800 meters in 2:16.68 to place third in a field of 28. At the 5000 meter distance, sophomore ANNA HAIRSTON(Mansfield/Ontario) also established a new PR and school record, clocking 18:26.78, placing eighth in a field of 28. The final points-paying position earned by the Beavers came from junior EDGAR GONZALEZ (Melvindale, Mich./Melvindale) who placed eighth in a field of 25 for the hammer throw.
A wide variety of PR performances were achieved among the other Beavers competing. On the track, junior LAUREN HOFFMAN (Dunkirk/Hardin Northern) and freshman THADDEUS PHILLIPS (South Bend, Ind./Riley) PR'd at 100 meters; freshman CHRIS BRENNER (Defiance) at 400; sophomore SHAWN CAMPO (Galion) over 800 meters; freshman ALISSA HAUKE (Hillsboro) at 1500 meters; and the men's 4 x 400 meter relay comprised of Everett, junior BLAKE DREWES (Archbold), freshman KYLE KNEZOVICH (Utica) and sophomore JACK FISHER (Norwalk/St. Paul). In the field, Knezovich produced his second PR in two meets in the pole vault as did fellow freshman TAYLOR BOWMAN (Lebanon) in women's vault. In the throws, freshman D'NAE REESE (Columbus/Upper Arlington) established two new personal records in the discus and hammer.
"Today's meet is perhaps the shot in the arm our team has been needing," said Head Coach Karen Brandt, "As we have been seemingly off our game this outdoor season. Some of it has undoubtedly been the weather holding us back, but our "energy" has been low and today's performances seemed to swing the team in a good direction. Three wins and two school records is a very good day's work. They represent much hard work and commitment. I'm proud of the performances of all our athletes."
The Beavers return to action Saturday, April 18, at neighboring Ohio Northern University in the Polar Bear Invitational. Field events start at 10 a.m. with track events beginning at noon. Come out and support your Beavers as they make the short trip to Ada!
-BEAVERS-