Ashland University's men's and women's indoor track teams competed on Friday (Feb. 5) and Saturday (Feb. 6) at the 12th Annual Akron Invitational, coming away with one new provisional mark and five improved provisional efforts for Division II nationals.
On Saturday, senior Jared Whitcomb took titles in both the men's weight throw Blue division (17.89 meters/58-feet-8½) and shot put Blue division (16.34 meters/53-feet-7½), improving on his previous provisional distance in the weight. Junior Jordan Crayon won the men's weight throw Gold division at 20.99 meters/68-feet-10½.
Sophomore Clayton Jury also improved his provisional mark in the men's weight throw by posting a top effort of 18.51 meters/60-feet-8¾.
On the women's side, improved provisional marks were turned in by junior Megan Tomei (18.32 meters/60-feet-1¼) and redshirt freshman MacKenzie Leigh in the (16.83 meters/55-feet-2¾) in the weight throw, and sophomore Marie Hammer in the pentathlon (3,399 points).
The new provisional mark was earned by sophomore Hannah Bartlome in the pentathlon (3,286 points).
Redshirt freshman Natalie Helenthal was second in the women's weight throw Blue division (17.45 meters/57-feet-3), junior Bryn Campbell was runner-up in the men's weight throw Gold division (20.49 meters/67-feet-2¾) and freshman Alex Hill (competing unattached) was second in the men's weight throw Blue division (17.27 meters/56-feet-8).
Senior Lauren Ellsworth took third in the women's 200-meter dash Gold division (24.87 seconds), and sophomore Tyler Lance was third in the men's 3,000 run Blue division (8:53.48).
On Friday, freshman Devin Snowden was third in the men's long jump Blue division (6.61 meters/21-feet-8¼), while freshman Nick Zak (competing unattached) was second in the men's/women's mixed discus Blue division (46.39 meters/152-feet-2).
The AU men, ranked No. 10 in Division II, and women, No. 15 in the country, will compete on Friday (Feb. 12) at the Grand Valley State Big Meet and the Findlay Elite Meet.
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