FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Saturday marked the opening day for the USF men's and women's track and field teams at the Mastodon Opener, hosted by Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW). Alex Ebetino took part in highlighting the meet, now being the 2nd fastest 3,000m runner in the NAIA with a time of 9:50. The field events saw success both in men's and women's weight throws with new PRs. Sophomore Hannah Boersema threw for 13.27m and Senior Cole Miller threw a distance of 14.87m.

Miller also ended the meet in 3rd place in the men's section and Senior Madisen Hinderliter finished the women's section in the top 10. Senior Joe Painter finished 2nd place in the men's pole vault at 4.53m and senior Kylie Barcelona finished 5th in the women's long jump. 

There was an equal amount of success for the running events with the women's 600 meters being dominated by freshman Kiara Bahena, followed by Sophomores Lilee Stewart, Lindy Wood, Hannah Hawkins, Junior Anna Strong, & Senior Kayla Quimby. The men's 600 meters ended with Sophomore Cole Sikorski in 2nd and Junior Connor Jackson in 4th. Both athletes hold the top 2 school records for the men's 600. 

"Today was a good day for USF track and field, especially with having a handful of athletes PR and it being our first indoor meet of the season. There was not a single individual competing today who did not give it everything they had, and that is always a good sign this early in the season. We have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be at, but overall I am more than pleased with how everyone performed across the board, " stated Head Coach Kris Hart.

Next Friday (12/8) the USF men's and women's track teams will travel to Michigan for the Grand Valley State University Holiday Opener. More details on for the meet can be found at the Cougar Athletics website.

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.

-Gwen Jakway-