In their first action of the new year, the Kent State track team took first in eight events in the Doug Raymond Invitational on Saturday at the Field House in Kent.

With the team having only a few days to get back into form after a five-week layoff, Coach Bill Lawson was pleased with the results.

“Overall we had some good results,” said Lawson.

The women’s team had a number of winners on Saturday. Erica Hutson’s 57.63 second 400-meter dash was good for first in that event. Hannah Fleck won in the 1000-meter run, finishing with a time of 2:57.94. JoAnn Pittman completed the 60-meter dash in just 8.81 seconds, faster than any other participant. Other winners included Rebecca Herte in the pole vault, Roseanne Erikson in long jump, Lakia Kent-Allen in the triple jump and Joh’Vonnie Mosley in both shot put and weight throw.

The men’s team had a successful day. Donavan Tolbert won in the triple jump, leaping for a distance of 47′-2.25.” Cody Jones leaped for a jump of 6’-10.75” in the high jump and also finished first. William Barnes took the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.22 seconds. Other winners included Riak Reese in the 60-meter dash, Laron Brown III in the 200-meter dash, Jared Fleming in the 800-meter run, Cory Miller in pole vault. The 4×400-meter relay team consisting of Wayne Gordon, Miles Dunlap, Andrew O’Leary, and Danny Young was also victorious, finishing with a final time of 3:19.17.

Some personal records were met today as well: Jared Fleming in the 800-meter run; Cory Miller in the pole vault; Joh’Vonnie Mosley in shot put, whose mark was praised by coach Lawson; Rebecca Herte in pole vault, and Kent-Allen in the triple jump.

With the Akron Dual approaching next Friday, Lawson said it was time to prepare for the rivalry match.

“I think you’ll see a completely different look next week,” said Lawson. The meet starts at 6 p.m. at the Field House.

Contact Ian Flickinger at [email protected].