TicketsMarch 18, 2006
-- The University of Cincinnati outdoor track and field team opened the 2006 season on Saturday afternoon at Gettler Stadium, hosting the Early Bird Relays. Both men's and women's squads won team championships.
Junior Tara Meier (, /Colerain) broke the school's pole vault record, held by teammate Brittany Klima (/Ottoville). Meier won the event, clearing 12' 0".
One member each from the men's and women's teams met NCAA regional qualifying marks. Senior Chandler Groves (Payne, Ohio/Wayne Trace) and junior Renee Hein (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mother of Mercy) hit qualifying marks in the long jump (24' 1") and high jump (5' 8-3/4"), respectively, each winning that event.
Senior Jenni Schmitmeyer (Minster, Ohio/Minster) swept the throwing events, winning the shot put (38' 8-3/4"), discus (138' 5") and hammer throw (135' 0").Other UC winners included senior Jocelyn Gibson (Petrolia, Ontario/Lambton Central), who captured both the 800 (2:17.23) and 1,500 meter (4:48.40) runs. Senior Erin Leeper (Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy) grabbed the 200 meter dash title in 25.05, and anchored championship 4x100 (48.87) and 4x400 (4:02.64) relay teams.
The men won 17 of 18 events, as Xavier's Luke Beuerlein sped to a win in the 5,000 meter run.
The Bearcats will head to for the prestigious Raleigh Relays on Fri., March 24-Sat., March 25.