By: Jenia Freewalt, sports information assistant

DELAWARE, Ohio - The Beavers traveled to Ohio Wesleyan for the Marv Frye Track and Field Invitational on Saturday, April 9. This was their last regular meet before the All-Ohio competition next weekend. The cold weather and a mix of rain and sleet made the conditions especially tough on the day.

The meet kicked off early in the morning with the throwing events. Assistant Coach Stephanie Fox, who works with the throwers, could not be at the competition. However, she consistently showed her support from afar during the meet, and was very proud of how the athletes competed.

"I'm very proud of Blake who was able to get his first hammer throw in! He's picked it up really quickly, only practicing it for three weeks. I'm proud of Bowden for getting his first hammer throw in! Even though we both know he could have thrown so much farther!" said Coach Fox. "I'm excited to see what they both do at ONU in two weeks!"

In the men's hammer throw competition, freshman Blake Longest (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North) set a new PR with a throw of 24.89m, and freshman Bowden Jerome (Canal Winchester,) set a new PR with a throw of 26.86m.

"I'm also very proud of Henry, who threw hammer for the first time at a meet. I know he's been eager to do that for a while now," Coach Fox continued. "And I can't forget about Michael Lindhorst (Lindsey/Woodmore)! While he may not have PR'd like he would've liked, his consistency is what I'm most proud of. I know that he will be able to throw the distances he wants to this season!"

Also in the men's hammer, junior Henry Wright (Wooster) set a new PR of 32.75m.

"Like Michael, Emma Payne (Hicksville), who is a junior, continues to show consistency in her hammer throws and I can't wait for her to pop a big throw this season!"

Coach Fox also commented on the team as a whole, saying, "It was a hard day to throw, let alone run or jump! So, I'm happy they were able to keep up the morale and do their best with the day they were given."

Because of the spotty and rough weather conditions, the high jump competition was done inside. Freshman Olivia Rider (Celina) jumped a season best of 1.48m in the women's high jump competition. This excellent mark also qualified her for the All-Ohio Meet this coming weekend.

Assistant Coach Ben Markison, who works with the sprinters and jumpers, commented on the performance of a couple athletes. "Maddy had a great day with a solid race in the 100 and over a half second PR in the 200," said Coach Markison. Junior Maddy Schifer (Bucyrus) finished with a time of 13.44 in the women's 100 meter dash competition and set a PR with a time of 27.69 in the women's 200m dash. "It's hard to put up fast times in that kind of weather and she (Maddy) managed to put together two great races on the day."

"For the men, our 400m group had a solid meet," continued Coach Markison. Freshman Russell Lough (Wintersville/Indian Creek) raced a season PR in the Men's 400m race with a time of 50.94. The men's 4x400 relay consisted of Lough, sophomore Blayden McCoy (Fresno/Ridgewood), freshman Jayden McConnell (Sunbury/Big Walnut) and freshman Simon Shawk (Galion) . "The group ran a really good 4x400 time which should hopefully secure us the fast heat this coming weekend at All-Ohio."

"Lastly," said Coach Markison, "Kodi had a great day. He managed to take off .25 and .5 in both the 100 and the 200 respectively." Freshman Kodi Cooper (Harper Woods, Mich.) set a new PR in the men's 100m dash with a time of 11.44, and also set a PR with a time of 23.23 in the 200m dash.

In the 5000k, freshman Cole Kropka (New London) set a new PR of 16:14.47, and freshman Braeden Horn (Galion) set a new PR with a time of 17:31.24.

In the women's 1500m race, sophomore Brooke Barnes (Ashland/Crestview) raced hard and set a new PR of 5:49.16.

Head Coach Scott Black commented on the overall performance, saying, "The team did a great job braving the elements, and in spite of the weather we still walked away with a number of PRs and improvements for the season."

The Beavers made the most of some tough racing conditions and continue their training in preparation for the All-Ohio meet which will have them back on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan on Saturday, April 16.

-BEAVERS-