The Ohio men's and women's track teams pummeled into competition Saturday at the Bowling Green Invitational and Quintangular.
Sprinter/jumper Scott Mayle led the men with two of the team's 11 first-place finishes, while jumper/hurdler Foli James placed second in two events for the women.
Mayle won the 60-meter dash in 6.89 seconds and the long jump with a leap of 7.25 meters. Mayle, who competed in the long jump at the NCAA National Championship meet last spring, said his jump was short of his potential.
I can go a lot farther than that
he said. I jumped a 23 (feet) 10 (inches) but I landed on my butt when I got that.
Ohio won the 1600-m relay and had eight other winners: Jason Linton (1600, 4:33.72), Dan Bailey (200, 22.85), David Houchens (5000, 16:07.47), Chad Lutz (60 hurdles, 9.27), Jeremy Keesee (high jump, 1.98 meters), Josh Bilyeu (triple jump, 11.88 meters), Colt Thompson (shot put, 14.64 meters) and Eric Bildstein (weight throw, 16.72 meters).
We've been working hard all fall coach Clay Calkins said. I think it shows through with our performances.
Ohio faced off against only Detroit-Mercy and other open athletes. Mayle said the meet was good practice and a good start to the season.
I think it was a good confidence builder just to get everybody started off on the right foot for the beginning of the season
he said.
The women finished fourth overall Saturday. James finished second in the 60 hurdles (8.78) and the long jump (5.93 meters). She said she was pleased with her performance and the team's, given what little practice the team has gotten thus far.
It was alright considering that we haven't been able to go outside
she said. This was the first meet and the first time any of us got to jump
so it was alright considering what we've had to deal with.
Also finishing second were Andrea Maas in the 5000 (18:18.37) and Rachel Diehl in the pole vault (3.20 meters).
The five-team meet gave the women an early look at Mid-American Conference foes Bowling Green, Miami and Western Michigan. James said the teams will be strong opponents later in the season.
They looked pretty good
she said, but I think we can be up there with them once we get more practice in.
Calkins said the team is eager to continue competition.
Overall
it was a great meet
he said. It shows we have some good talent on the team. We have good things to look forward to for the indoor season.
The Bobcats run again this weekend at the Central Collegiate Championships at Eastern Michigan. The meet begins at 10 a.m. Friday in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
17
