Men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams compete at Defiance (Ohio) Dick Small Invitational

The Olivet College men's and women's outdoor track and field teams participated this afternoon in the Dick Small Invitational, which was hosted by Defiance (Ohio) College. Competing against NCAA Division I, II and III and NAIA schools, the men placed fifth of 14 teams, while the women were 11th of 12 teams. Bethel (Ind.) College won both the men's and women's team title.

The men tallied 71.5 points, recording one first-place, two second-place and three third-place finishes. Overall, the Comets scored points in 11 different events.

Leading the way was freshman Raynard Hamilton (Jackson) and junior Lonnie White (Battle Creek/Central). Hamilton was second in the 200-meter dash (:22.88) and third in the 100-meter dash (:11.10). White captured first-place in the 110-meter high hurdles (:16.30) and fourth-place in the 400-meter hurdles (1:06.20). White also tied sophomore John Zenner (Kingsley) for seventh-place in the long jump as each had an 18 feet, 2-1/2 inches leap.

Also placing in the 110 hurdles were Zenner in fourth (:18.14) and freshman Corey Hill (South Haven) in sixth (:18.58). Junior Casey Redfield (Shepard) placed sixth in the 400 hurdles (1:07.72). Olivet's 400-meter relay clocked-in at 44.38 seconds to finish in third.

Junior Bobby Horton (Charlotte) had the Comets' highest finish in the field events as he was second in the discus throw with a 141 feet, 2 inch toss. Junior Josh Beischer (Capac) was fifth in the discus (132 feet, 4 inches) and seventh in the shot put (41 feet, 4-1/2 inches). Sophomore Joel Gyomory (North Branch) tied for third in the high jump. He cleared the bar at 5 feet, 10 inches. Freshman Nick Wolf (Olivet) placed seventh in the triple jump (32 feet, 10-1/4 inches).

The women had 11 points, scoring points in four events. The highest finisher was freshman Tonia Ramsey (Battle Creek/Harper Creek). She was fifth in the discus with a 106 foot toss. Recording sixth-place finishes was the 400-meter relay (:55.87) and junior Courtney Ivan (Belleville) in the javelin throw (100 feet). Freshman Mackenzie Heator (Union City) placed seventh in the long jump (13 feet, 11-3/4 inches).

The Comets are back in action Saturday, April 1, when they participate in the Goshen (Ind.) College Invitational.