The Bluffton University Track and Field team opened the outdoor campaign with a bang as three athletes were recognized as Athletes of the Week by the Heartland Conference.

Outstanding performances by seniors Andrew Chaffee (Clarkston, Mich.) and Megan Neal (Arlington) and sophomore Kayla Mullenhour (Delphos/Jefferson) punctuated a superb Saturday in Southeast Ohio.

Andy Chaffee, who is currently following a fitness regimen of his own design as he trains for this year's Ironman Lake Placid on July 22, took control of the men's 3000 meter steeplechase from the gun and never looked back, taking the win in a PR 10:37.02 effort over the barriers.

Megan Neal recorded the second-best hammer throw at Muskingum with a 154-11 distance in a field of 17 competitors. Her mark significantly surpassed both the meet and stadium records. She (33-2) also recorded a PR in the shot put.

Winning the event in 69.02, a time which easily qualifies her for the All-Ohio and HCAC championship meets later in the season, Kayla Mullenhour set her own PR and new meet record in the 400 meter hurdles.

The Beavers were only a men's field winner away from a clean sweep of the HCAC Athlete of the Week awards this week, taking three of the top four slots after a successful opening to the outdoor season at Muskingum University on Saturday.

Bluffton returns to action when it travels to long-time rival Defiance College on Saturday, March 24, at 11 a.m.