Men's track and field team begins MIAA schedule with two wins

Bolstered by wins in nine events, the Olivet College men's track and field team swept its season-opening Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association double dual meet today at Alma College. The Comets beat the host Scots, 98-89, and Tri-State (Ind.) University, 111-79.

Olivet had three double winners. Freshman Raynard Hamilton (Jackson) took top honors in the 100- and 200-meter dash with times of 10.82 and 22.80 seconds, respectively. His time in the 100 provisionally qualifies him for the 2006 NCAA Division III National Championships.

Also winning twice were junior Bobby Horton (Charlotte) and freshman Thomas Ray (Constantine). Horton won the shot put with a 42 feet, 6.25 inch toss, and the discus with a school record throw of 148 feet, 11 inches. Ray claimed first in the 3,000-meter run (9:43.00) and the 5,000-meter run (17:36.00).

The remaining first-place finishes were by junior Randy Place (Bellevue), 400-meter dash (52.20); freshman Daniel Slocum (Potterville), high jump (6'4"); and freshman Lonnie White (Battle Creek/Central), 110-meter high hurdles (16.24).

Olivet brought home runner-up finishes in five events, including the 4x100 and 4x400-meter relays. These finishes were by White, long jump (19'1"); sophomore Joel Gyomory (North Branch), high jump (6'0") and sophomore John Zenner (Kingsley), pole vault (11'7").

The Comets will next compete at the Defiance (Ohio) College Yellow Jacket Open Meet Saturday, April 8. Field events will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by running events at noon.