It's quantity AND quality that the Ashland University track and field program has in Birmingham, Ala. this weekend.
Friday was the second day of action at the 2013 NCAA Division II indoor track and field championships. With one day to go in this event, the AU men's team is in first place and the AU women are in second. The Eagles have won two national titles so far and have one second place finish on their resume. Ashland has 24 athletes competing in Alabama - that's the largest contingent the school has ever sent to indoor nationals. As the numbers show, no one is along just for the ride.
The Ashland men have 22 points. Grand Valley State is second with 14.5 points and Indianapolis is third with 14 points.
The AU women have 24 points. Defending national champion Grand Valley State is first with 31 points and Alaska-Anchorage holds down third place with 18 points.
On Friday, senior Katie Nageotte (Olmsted Falls, Ohio) won the first national championship of her career in the pole vault. Her winning mark was 13 feet, 11.25 inches.
In the women's shot put, sophomore Jessica Bridenthal (Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary) was the runner-up. Her best throw measured 50-5.25. Grand Valley State's Sam Lockhart was first with a throw of 55-3.75.
AU's distance relay finished seventh in 9:57.94. Shippensburg won the race in 9:45.24. The AU quartet listed sophomore Brian Baum (Marlington, Ohio), and juniors Jacob Cook (Lima, Ohio/Allen East), Zaan Janse (Wellington, New Zealand) and Jacob Sussman (Wadsworth, Ohio).
In the prelims of the men's 800, sophomore Drew Windle (New Albany, Ohio) had the top time (1:50.27). Baum recorded the best time in the prelims of the mile (4:11.32).
The track and field championships wind up on Saturday (Mar. 9) with a full day of events.
AU
TRCK/ALK
