By: Connor Gulick, Head Cross Country Coach
ADA, Ohio - The Bluffton University Track and Field Team kicked off the indoor season traveling to nearby Ohio Northern for the Rob and Patty Lydic Invitational and they had a day, seeing some of the best in the Ohio Athletic Conference as well as NAIA member St. Francis.
On the men's side, the highlight of the night was the 400 squad as senior Russell Lough (Wintersville/Indian Creek) took home the gold in the event with a 51.16 which currently ranks 2nd in the HCAC. Senior Desmond Gist (Detroit, Mich./Trenton) and freshmen Devin Homan (Dayton/Stebbins) also showed out in the event, finishing 3rd and 4th with times of 52.42 and 53.59, respectively. Freshmen Jalen Jackson (Memphis, Tenn./Ridgeway) also notched a spot in the top 10, finishing in 56.17.
Gist also took on the always tough 60 meter, 60 meter hurdle double on top of his 400, running a 7.06 in the 60 meter prelims and finishing 5th overall in the event, placing him 5th in the conference. In the 60 hurdles, Gist took 2nd overall with an 8.19 in his fastest opener of his career, placing him 1st in the conference and 12th in the nation.
Lough doubled back in the 200 later in the evening and claimed 4th with a time of 23.25 which currently places him 5th in the conference. Homan also came back and claimed 8th in the 200 with a 23.71.
On the distance side, senior Braeden Horn (Galion) just missed breaking 10 minutes in the 3k to open 10:01 which is the best he has opened the season in his career.
"I thought the squad competed really well and gave us a good idea of what we can work on as we dive deeper. I think we have a lot of potential to do great things this season," said Distance Coach Connor Gulick.
On the women's side, Amelia Adams (Celina) led the way with a 4th place finish in high jump thanks to a new PR of 1.44 meters, which places her 4th in the conference. She also ran 1:08.37, taking 8th in the meet and sitting 5th in the conference.
On the distance squad, freshmen Sara Smith (Mansfield/Madison Comprehensive) had a strong debut in the mile, finishing 7th with a time of 5:47.05 which currently has her sitting 7th in the conference.
"As coaches we ask our athletes to compete. Seeing them all in the first meet let us see the hard work and dedication is showing. We have a great season ahead of us," said Head Coach Chris Scott on his debut meet for the Beavers.
The indoor tracksters are back in action Saturday, Jan. 25, at Tiffin University.
-BEAVERS-