Track/Field teams begin MIAA season with losses to Albion and Hope

The men's and women's outdoor track/field teams began their Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association schedule with losses to Albion and Hope colleges this afternoon in Albion.

The men's team fell to Albion, 148-37, and Hope, 148-43. The women's team lost, 155-21, to the host Britons and a 148-21 to Hope.

The top finisher on the men’s side was freshman Joel Gyomory (North Branch), who tied for second-place in the high jump. He cleared the bar at six foot. Sophomore Robert Horton (Charlotte) was third in the shot put (44’3.50”) and fourth in the discus (138’3”). Freshman John Zenner (Kingsley) was third in the pole vault (12’6”).

Also finishing in fourth place was junior Randy Place (Bellevue) in the 400-meter dash (:51.81) and sophomore Andy Weiss (Fremont) in the pole vault (9’6”). The Fighting Comets had two fifth-place finishes – sophomore Derrick Bean (Quincy) in the 1,500-meter run (4:38.98) and sophomore Josh Beischer (Capac) in the shot put (41’8”).

Sophomore Kristy Zenner (Kingsley) was the Lady Comets’ top finisher as she placed second in the discus (109’2”). Freshman Donna Cripe (Vermontville/Maple Valley) finished in third-place in the 100-meter dash (:13.68) and fourth-place in the 200-meter dash (:28.30). Senior Essence Porter (Battle Creek/Central) was fourth in the 400-meter dash (1:11.34).

Three women placed fifth in an event. The trio was sophomore Gina Hilgendorf (Capac) in the javelin (68’10”), freshman Hannah Robbins (Marshall) in the 400-meter hurdles (1:17.05) and junior Rachel Strelecki (Sterling/Standish-Sterling) in the 5,000-meter run (22:08.05).

The Comets will next compete Saturday, April 9, in the Yellow Jacket Open Meet hosted by Defiance (Ohio) College. Field events will start at 10 a.m. with running events commencing at 11 a.m.