The men's indoor track team opened its season on a successful note at the Ball State Open Saturday. Ball State took first place in five of the 15 events, including a school indoor record of 16-7 3/4 by junior Paul Panning in the pole vault.
This was the first meet of the season as well as the only home meet for the Cardinals. It was a non-team scoring competition, meaning the unattached runners who are sometimes high school students do not count in the overall standings of the results. Another unattached, competitor, former Cardinal Zach Riley, won both the shot put and weight throw.
Head Coach Jim Sprecher was impressed with his team's performance, especially the long distance runners. The Cards placed first and second in both the 3,000 meter and mile runs.
"Looking at the whole program it was a good opener," Sprecher said. "It was definitely something we can build on."
First place finishes from Ball State included Steve Schilling in the mile (4:18.3), Scott Allen in the 400 (49.6), Jesse Davis in the 3,000 (8:53.27) and the "A" team in the 4x400 (3:26.7).
Schilling was pleased with both his and his team's performance. He usually runs in the 800 and is relatively new in the mile event.
"It was a good start to the season," Schilling said. "I wanted to be faster, but it was good to take control of it early and run my own race."
Another significant accomplishment was the performance of Trevor Barnes, who placed behind teammate Paul Panning in the pole vault by clearing the bar at 16-1. This was Barnes' first meet since returning from a knee injury which has sidelined him for more than two years.
Sprecher was also pleased with the final event of the meet: the 4x400.
"It's always nice to finish the meet with a first place finish especially with such a young relay team," Sprecher said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
