The Kent State track and field team was back in action this weekend as the team competed in the Northeast Ohio Quad hosted by Akron. Battling injuries and the weather, the men’s team finished second with 166 total points, while the women placed third with 127 points.

Due to the extreme cold that swept over Akron this weekend, officials moved several of the events indoors. The Flashes battled more than the weather, as the team has also been dealing with several injuries.

The Flashes competed without three of their top athletes: seniors sprinter Marc Johnson, throwers Andy Nicholas and Phil Rickaby. Despite the key losses, several Flashes stepped up and contributed mightily to the team.

Senior Chad Clemons filled in nicely for Rickaby by winning the overall title in the javelin. Clemons, who missed the majority of the indoor season with a nagging injury of his own, returned in late February, competing in the Mid-American Conference Championships.

On the track, Kent State’s 4×100 squad had its event moved indoors, and competing without MAC Champion Marc Johnson, the Flashes improved upon their time from a week ago at the Texas Relays. The team of Darison Williams, I. Perfection Harris, Nick Ivancic and Arthur Thomas defeated Akron by four one hundredths, finishing first.

Also on the men’s side, the Flashes finished first and second in the 800-meter dash.

Sophomore Tony Jordanek, who finished first last weekend in the 1500-meter run at the Texas Relays, again captured first, this time in the 800-meter. Teammate Jesse Armbruster placed second in the event.

On the women’s side, senior Stephanie Hunt enjoyed a successful weekend. For the first time in her career, Hunt competed in and won the 800-meter dash, ousting Akron’s Rachel Zubricky for the win. Hunt was also the anchor of the women’s mile-relay team, which also finished first.

Kent State will travel to Cincinnati this Friday for the All-Ohio Championships, which will run through Saturday.

Contact track and field reporter Steve Voicik at [email protected].