January 10, 2018

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams look to the 2018 campaign with much anticipation. The coaching staff looks to build upon the success found last season. “A third place team finish for the men at the indoor championship; a fifth place for the women; two nationals qualifiers and three conference champions was a pretty good season last year,” said Head Coach Karen Brandt. “We got off to a great start already in two December meets and a pole vault competition in early January and are excited to be back in action January 12 at Findlay.”

Expected to be major contributors from the men’s squad are senior Kyle Knezovich (Utica) in pole vault, hurdles and relays; junior Quincy Salcido (Van Wert) at 200, 400 and relays; freshmen Donny Johnson (Hamler/Patrick Henry) and Omar Warlick (East Pointe, Mich./Clintondale) across the sprints and relays; sophomore Dakota Frost (Edgerton/Hicksville) in the 3,000 and 5,000; senior Erick Benge (Monrovia, Ind./Monrovia) in throws and freshman Gabe Makin (Elida) in the pole vault.

The women’s team also has an excellent cross-section of talent which includes junior Keturah Warlick (East Pointe, Mich./Clintondale) in the sprints and relays; sophomore Alexis Cash (Gaines, MI/Lake Fenton) in both distance and middle distance events; sophomore Tori Bowen (Wapakoneta/Elida) in pole vault; junior Jennie Matteson (Guysville/Alexander) in the 3,000 and 5,000; and freshman Bailie Barrington (Waynesfield/Waynesfield-Goshen) in middle distance events and relays.

The 2018 edition of the HCAC Conference Championship will be contested February 17 at Anderson University with qualified athletes competing in the highly selective All-Ohio Championship meet at Otterbein University on Saturday, February 10. The complete schedule of meets can be found on the track and field website. Come out and support Bluffton Beaver track and field!

-BEAVERS-