Two male track athletes performed at their personal best last weekend at the Akron Invitational. Both athletes’ personal records gave them a place in the Kent State indoor track record book. 

Senior William Barnes placed first in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.13 seconds Saturday, beating his previous record of 21.15. This new personal record places Barnes at number three in the Kent State indoor record book. Barnes beat out Princeton Bryson’s time of 21.14, a record set six years ago.

Placement in the indoor record book is nothing new for Barnes, as he was ranked seventh, but taking .20 seconds off his time moved him into third place.

Barnes is ranked fifth in the nation and first in the Mid-American Conference.

“It’s pretty uplifting to be in the record book, especially because it’s not my primary event. I just use the 200-meter dash to help my hurdles,” Barnes said. “It’s exhilarating, and it’s exciting.”   

Will is hoping for the same thing, aiming for first place in the 200-meter record book.  

“He’s is just maturing and he’s able to handle training better because he’s learned how to take care of his body,” assistant coach Micheal Schobert said. “Hopefully in two weeks by the time conference and nationals come he’ll be really ready to run.”

Sophomore Jonathan Grant placed first in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.73, his new personal best beating his old record by.04 seconds. Grant is now tied for sixth place with 2004 record setter, Otis Jordan.

“I’m happy with the performance, but it’s not where I want to be,” Grant said. “I just need to keep building off what I’ve been doing.”

“I’ve learned to just relax, to focus on me and not the runners around me, and it’s been working.”

Last year Grant suffered a stress fractures in his shins, keeping him from track for three months.

“Jonathan came in unprepared, due to last year’s injury,” assistant coach Phil Rickaby said. “This season he’s been able to have better practices and competition, allowing him to improve and become more efficient in his running.”

Barnes and Grant will both compete at the Spire Invitational this weekend and hope to improve their own personal records. The Spire Invitational is Feb. 11-12, in Geneva, Ohio. 

Samantha Lough is a sport reporter for the Kent Stater. For more information contact her at [email protected].