Findlay Plays Host to Day 1 of the Oiler Opener
The University of Findlay track and field teams hosted the first of two days of the Oiler Opener in the Malcolm Athletic Center on Friday (Dec. 5).
Men:
The only event of the evening involving the men's team was the weight throw. Senior Justin Welch, who was recognized in front of a capacity crowd at a recent Oilers basketball game as the school's 2013-14 Male Athlete of the Year, took first place in the event with his NCAA provisional throw that distanced 68'06". Finishing in fourth was senior Taylor Miller who also met the NCAA provisional with his throw of 56'07.25". Senior Brian Jennings (5th, 55'01"), junior Parker Schroeder (7th, 53'01.75"), sophomore Ben Hahler (8th, 52'04.75"), and sophomore Mitch Adkins (9th, 48'08.08") all competed in the event.
Women:
A trio of women met the NCAA provisional in the weight throw, headlined by senior Kendra Averesch who took first place with her throw of 57'08.25". Close behind was sophomore Erica King whose throw of 57'00.25" was good enough for second place. The final provisional qualifier was sophomore Liz Streacker who took fifth place with a throw that distanced 55'00.75".
The Oilers also received strong performances in the pentathlon from senior Pam Showman and junior Lydia Guagenti. Showman took second in the event with 3,540 points (an NCAA provisional) while Guagenti's 3,204 points earned her a third place finish. The pair finished their highest in the high jump portion of the event where each met the individual provisional for the event. Guagenti took first as she soared to a height of 5'07.25" while Showman skied to a height of 5'05" to earn second place.
Day 2 of the event will begin tomorrow morning.