Men’s team wins, women’s team third

Mike Inge’s strong legs led the men’s track team to a home victory at the Doug Raymond Invitational Saturday while the women placed third out of seven teams.

Inge, who provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championship meet with a time of 1:48.05 in the 800 meters, was joined by teammate Ray Armstrong, who ran 1:50.96.

Armstrong’s personal-best time pushed him to second place on the Kent State all-time indoor list.

The men finished with 153 points, outdistancing second-place Eastern Michigan, with 120 points, as well as Wichita State (83), Ohio State (57), Grand Valley State (46) and Bucknell (34).

The one-two punch of Ofer Barniv and James Sjostrom gave the men’s team a victory in the mile.

Phil Rickaby’s winning long jump of 23-11 became the longest jump of the MAC so far this season.

Brent Shelby’s second-place shot put finish and Jaroslaw Zakrzewski’s second-place weight throw rounded out the top men’s individual performances.

The women faced a tough challenge as they placed third with 89.25 points. Eastern Michigan squeaked out a victory with 104.75 points to second-place Wichita State, which had 103.50 points.

Miami finished fourth with 59 points, followed by Bucknell (53), Grand Valley (43.50) and Ohio State (42).

Seniors Colleen Ramharak, Breann Smith and Donielle Swany led the team’s efforts.

Ramharak won the triple jump with a leap of 42-11.75, a school record, while improving her provisional qualifying mark.

Smith won the shot put, improving her provisional mark, and Swany took first place in the weight throw.

Jackie Rodgers won the pole vault with a 12-5.50 jump, while the Fascione twins, Jeanna and Jennifer, finished in first and second place in the 800 meters, respectively.

The teams return to action Friday and Saturday at the Sykes-Sabcock Invitational in State College, Pa.

Contact track and field reporter Josh Echt at [email protected].