February 13, 2016
WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The Bluffton University Beavers split the squad this weekend sending part of the team to Defiance College Friday night and to the All-Ohio Championship at Otterbein University on Saturday.
The highlight performance of the weekend came from sophomore D’Nae Reese (Columbus/Upper Arlington) who destroyed the school record she set earlier this season in the women’s 20-pound weight throw. She entered the meet at 50’ 10” but heaved the ball out an impressive 54’ 7.25” which currently ranks her 18th in the nation among Division III athletes. Junior Terrill Webb (Kenton) continued her impressive season, finishing tied for second in women’s pole vault. On the track, sophomore Sarah Hunter (Mt. Blanchard/Riverdale) narrowly missed 2nd place in the 800 meters, breaking the line .01 second behind. Also in points-paying positions were senior Edgar Gonzalez (Melvindale, Mich.) who finished 5th in men’s weight and sophomore Kyle Knezovich (Utica) who had the 6th best clearance in men’s pole vault.
“These performances are a mark of distinction for our program,” said Head Coach Karen Brandt, “As only the top 16 individuals from across the state in each event earn the right to compete at this championship. From December 5th until last weekend a descending order performance list has been maintained. Making the cut for one of those coveted 16 spots is an honor.”
Friday night’s meet at Defiance saw a number of PR performances. Freshman Keturah Warlick (East Point, Mich./Clintondale) continued to inch closer to the 200 meter school record of 27.56, clocking 27.69 and placing 6th in a field of 19. Sophomore Elaina Alpeter (Galloway/Hilliard Bradley) produced a pair of new standards at 800 meters and the mile with junior Patrick Brean (Ashland) besting his previous mile time as well. Likewise, freshman Michelle Kelsey (South Whitley, Ind./Whitko) and Daniel Gregg (Ontario/Mansfield Christian) improved their 3000 meter times. In the field, senior Aron Gibson (Caledonia/River Valley) continued to hone is craft in the shot put.
Competing as an unattached athlete in men’s weight, Coach Jason Fisher (2010 Bluffton grad) impressed the crowd and his throwers with a mighty toss of the 35-pound ball. Aiming for the U.S. National Indoor Championship qualifying standard of 65’ 7.50”, Fisher came tantalizingly close at 64’ 7.25”.
“I was proud of the number of athletes who turned in best performances at Defiance,” Brandt said. “I am also quite proud of Fish. Our program has a real asset having an athlete of his caliber who is highly proficient as a coach in conveying his knowledge to our throwers.”
The team will conclude its indoor campaign Saturday, Feb. 20, at Defiance College which plays host to the HCAC Championship. Events begin at 1 p.m. Following the conference meet, Webb will continue her training for the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship hosted by Grinnell College (Iowa) on March 11-13.
-BEAVERS-
