AKRON, Ohio – The Oakland University track and field teams continued the indoor season on Friday at the Al Campbell Invitational, posting strong performances across the track and in the throwing events inside Stile Field House, including another broken school record.
On the men's side, sophomore Pierce Grzymkowski led the way for the Golden Grizzlies with a runner-up finish in the 800 meters, crossing in 1:53.83. Teammates Tyler Donovan (1:57.21) and Bryce Nowik (1:58.26) also turned in solid efforts in the event.
In the mile, freshman Collin McLaughlin paced Oakland with a time of 4:21.51, followed by Collin Farmer (4:24.21) and in his first collegiate race, freshman Mamdouh Abudouh (4:32.16). The distance group added another strong showing in the 3000 meters, led by Carter McCalister in 8:40.10 and Joe Shaya in 8:46.18. Sophomore Xavier Davis picked up a fourth-place finish in the long jump, recording a 6.77m jump as the lone Oakland men's competitor in the event.
Oakland's throwers produced key performances as well. Blake Foster placed 13th in the weight throw with a mark of 16.00m and finished fifth among attached collegiate competitors in the shot put at 14.65m. Conner Cherney wrapped up a 13.18m mark in the shot put as well.
For the women, grad student Catherine Leahy highlighted the day for Oakland, finishing third overall in the 400 meter race with a time of 57.08 seconds. She also added in a 10th-place finish in the 200 meters in 25.46, while A'Naia Herd ran 59.89 in the 400.
In the distance events, sophomore Abigail Rice led Oakland in the mile with a time of 5:15.62, followed by Mackenzie Lemke (5:25.32) and Maggie Hall (5:38.00). The Golden Grizzlies showed strong depth in the 3000 meters as Eliza Bush (10:03.43) picked up a third place finish, as newcomer Courtney Bovair (10:16.64), Haileigh Bissett (10:23.30), Ellie Voetberg (10:30.03), Ava Alicandro (10:31.30), and Makenna Scott (10:32.34) all finished inside the top 15. Kylei Anderson jumped 5.43m in the women's long jump for a fourth-place finish in the evening.
The throws group delivered multiple top performances. Senior Jamie Giese broke Oakland's women's indoor shot put record at 14.05m, followed up by a 15.74m performance with the weight throw. Showcasing her multi-event talent, Anderson picked up a 11.69m, followed by teammate Lainee Wagner with 11.58m in the shot put. In the weight throw, Elizabeth Rice threw 15.64m for a top mark from the Golden Grizzlies on the evening.
The Golden Grizzlies are back on to the track and field events next Saturday, Jan. 24 for the Notre Dame Invitational in South Bend, Ind.
How to Follow Oakland Cross Country/Track and Field: For complete information on Oakland Cross Country/Track and Field teams, follow the team on X at @OaklandTrackXC. The team is also on Instagram.
