
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Oakland men's and women's track and field team wrapped up a strong showing at the Mastodon Opener Saturday tallying 51 top-five finishes between the two squads. Briana Walker led the Golden Grizzlies to victory in the 400m dash (1:00.28) and in the 200m dash (26.63) while on the men's side Jimmie Williams took first in the 400m dash (49.80) and in the 200m dash (22.08) as well. Eddie Harrell III took first in the 800m run (1:57.66).
Oakland dominated the 3000m run with Megan Nichols placing first (10:05.82) followed by Rachel Kempf in second (10:12.80). Connor Goetz took first in the 3000m (8:38.80) followed by Colin Kane in second (8:42.64) and Shawn Slater in third (8:47.64).
Ashley Vican took second in the 5000m run (18:54.99) followed by Samantha Hanson in third (19:02.64). Ashley Quinn placed first in the 1-mile run (5:20.36).
Ra'Dasha Ashley placed third in the 60m hurdles (9.45) followed by Alana Morrow in fourth place (9.46).
In the field events, Alexis Hunter continued her strong start to the season by taking first place in the triple jump with a distance of 37ft., 10.5 in., and placing third in the long jump (17ft., .5 in.). Hannah Hall took first in the high jump with a height of 5ft., 5.75in.
Paige Sanders took second place in the long jump (17ft., 1.25in.) while Gabby Cyriax took first in the weight throw (53ft., 0in.) and Lauren Christian placed first in the shot put (42ft., 4.75in).
On the men's side, Kyle Piotrovsky took first place in the weight throw (47ft., 4in.) and in the shot put (48ft., 3in.) while Markeal Williams took first in the long jump (20ft., 7.25in.). Caleb Timm placed first in the pole vault (12ft., 7.5in.) while Alex Hugh-Plott placed first in the high jump (6ft., 8in). Jake Kaupp placed second in the 60m hurdles (8.70).
The Golden Grizzlies will continue competition at Central Michigan University for the Jack Skoog Open on January 31, at 1 p.m.
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