By: Will Heidenreich, Sports Editor
The men’s and women’s track and field teams braved the cold weather this weather. Competing in the DePauw Invitational in Greencastle, Ind. “Despite the 35 degree weather, we performed rather well,” said freshman Dylan Ruskin. “The weather resulted in a lot of people recording poor times. Regardless, some were able to get a new PR despite the conditions”
The women’s team earned a first place finish, compiling 177 team points, beating-out second-place Rose-Hulman with 144.50, and Franklin College with 108. The men’s team earned a fourth place finish out of 10 teams, accumulating 49.50 team points. Among top finishes from the Titans included a fifth place finish in the 400 meter hurdles by sophomore David Horn.
Other impressive finishes by Titan underclassman included sophomore Zack Anderson placing second in the shot put, recording a distance of 44 ft-5.25 in, and seventh place finish by freshman Dylan Ruskin in the 400 meter dash (55.33 sec). The women’s team had an astounding group of first place finishes, including freshman Cora Wilkinson winning both the 100 meter hurdles (16. 58 sec) and the 400 meter hurdles (1:06.96). Senior Karly Goodman won an impressive three events, dominating the field, winning the shot put (44 ft-1.25 in), javelin (133 ft-11 in), and hammer throw (153 ft-6 in).
Goodman earned the CCIW Track Athlete of the Week for her dominant performance. In addition to successful finishes by Wilkinson and Goodman were a pair of first place finishes by freshman Ayanna Blair, winning the discuss with a distance of 120 ft-3-in, along with senior Molly McGraw in the high jump (5ft-6.5in). Other notable finishes came from Senior Alyssa Pridemore finishing second in the 1500 meter (5:08.40) and senior Amelia Glueck, placing third in the 400 meter dash.
With the CCIW Outdoor Championships less than a month away, both teams look to earn conference title. For the women’s team, picked to finished second in the 2018 preseason coaches poll, behind Wheaton College who received eight of the nine votes from each teams head coach, it will be a battle against convincing odds; but with performances like that of this week are indicative of a promising team performance.
For the men, tied with Carroll University to finish fifth, it will be another uphill battle. Despite the challenges presented by conference, Ruskin is determined to finish the season on high note. “Our relays are in great position right now, and both men’s and women’s teams are showing great potential in the 4×100 meter and 4×400 meter.” “Conference is now our focus and we’re excited to make it happen,” added Horn.
Next Saturday, April 14, both teams will compete in the Greenville University Invitational in Greenville, Ill.