While most of Ohio's top athletes did not compete this weekend, one Bobcat nearly qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional meet.
Senior Susan Plungis won the javelin at the Ohio Open Saturday with a mark of 43.41 meters, narrowly missing the regional-qualifying mark of 43.45 meters.
Plungis was one of the few top athletes who competed in the meet for Ohio, as many rested to remain fresh for the Mid-American Conference Championships, which begin Thursday.
In the meantime, Ohio enjoyed its second and final home meet of the season before traveling to Akron for the championships this week.
It's good to be at home for these weekends
coach Clay Calkins said. There's no use traveling to find a low-key meet when you can have one at your own facility.
Ohio athletes won 16 of 18 events. Senior Bahiyjaui Allen won the shot put with a mark of 14.57 meters and junior Cathy Udeani won the high jump with a mark of 1.63 meters as Ohio took first in nearly every event.
Many athletes who have not competed much or at all this year had a chance to participate. Other athletes had a chance to compete in events they don't usually do during the season.
Throws coach Nick Pero also got in on the action, as he entered the men's hammer throw unattached. He finished fifth with a mark of 45.46 meters.
At the home meets it's always in all-inclusive-type atmospheres Calkins said. Athletes that have not traveled a lot or have not traveled at all get a chance to compete.
Many parents and families of athletes came to witness the meet, something that doesn't usually happen.
It's great bringing in the families and friends of the people running
Calkins said.
The fun and games are over, however, as the Bobcats will now set their sights on the MAC Championships.
If everybody competes like they're capable of competing
we could be in the top five framework of the MAC
Calkins said. If everybody doesn't compete
then it could go the other way.
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Sports
Vince Nairn
