The University of Akron Athletics
Large Betters Own MAC Record at Zips Open
February 17 | Track & Field
That was one of four records to fall Friday. First, Brandon Hon (unattached) turned in a facility-record time of 7.73 in the 60-meter hurdles, bettering the previous-best mark of 7.77 set in Feb. 2005. Soon after, Mary Wineberg (unattached) won the 400 meters in a time of 53.02, surpassing the previous record of 53.31 (Feb. 5, 2005) and beating her nearest competitor by over four seconds. Last, in the 60-meter dash, Kyle Farmer, running attached, turned in a time of 6.69. He edged current UA assistant coach and former facility record-holder LeShaunte Edwards, also running unattached. The previous record was 6.70, set on Feb. 5, 2005, and Edwards clocked a time of 6.74 Friday night.
"There were some outstanding individual performances, as evidence by the number of records set," said UA head coach Dennis Mitchell. "This was a good, low-key affair, helping us get ready for the MAC Championships next week. We held some people out who needed to rest and those who we put in performed well and showed they want to be a part of the squad for the championships."
Highlights for the Zips include Latalia Jones wining the 60-meters (7.72) and 200-meters (24.89), both season-best times for the freshman. Akron also took five of the top six spots in the mile, including winner Colleen Moran with her season-best time of 5:02.3. The Zips additionally went 1-2 in the 800 with Larisa Arcip winning with a team season-best time of 2:11.24. In the 60-meter hurdles, Jessica Bright led a trio of Zips that competed, turning in a team season-best time of 8.62.
In the field events, Natalie Sako continued her dominance, clearing 5-11.25 (1.81), followed by teammate Lisa Ravn's leap of 5-8 (1.73). Carrie Kayes won the pole vault with an effort of 12-6 (3.81) and Neisha Kelly won the long jump 17-9 (5.41).
For the men, David Marchione turned in his best time of the season in the 800, winning the event with a time of 1:54.55. Like his women's counterpart, Ryan Jones continued to standout in the high jump, winning with height of 6-10-7.5 (2.10).
Former Zip John Russell won the pole vault with a height of 17-0 (5.18), with current Zip Weston Lott placing second, clearing 15-5 (4.71).
Up next, the Akron track and field teams will host the 2007 MAC Indoor Championships Feb. 23-24 at the UA Athletics Field House. Tickets for the event are: Adults: $10 per day or $15 for a two-day pass – Any MAC Student: $2 per day or $3 for a two-day pass with valid ID – 17 and Under: $7 per day or $10 for a two-day pass.
