April 1, 2006
, -- The University of men's track and field team defended its title at the second annual Oliver Nikoloff Invitational Saturday afternoon at Gettler Stadium. The Bearcats outscored second-place , 183-156, to secure the team victory. The UC women scored 155.50 points, placing second behind .
For the men, freshman Antione Drakeford (/Africentric) won his second 400 meter dash title of the season in 47.80. UC also swept the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Justin Conway (Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins), Cedric Powell (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon), Bob Kandell (Huron, Ohio/Milan Edison) and John Bowie (Columbus, Ohio, Northland) ran a 40.91 in winning the 4x100, while Drakeford, Powell, Kandell and Lonnie Irving (Mansfield, Ohio/Mansfield) combined to win the 4x400 in 3:14.21. Senior Dan Albrinck (/LaSalle) cleared 15' 7" in the pole vault to win the title.
On the women's side, sophomore Brittany Klima (/Ottoville) won the pole vault, clearing 11' 11-3/4". Junior Renee Hein (/Mother of Mercy), the UC record holder in the javelin, won the event with a 104' 3" heave. The 4x100 relay squad, featuring Jasmine Smith (Youngstown, Ohio/Liberty), Monica Hundley (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfield), Dennale Speakman (Chillicothe, Ohio/Union-Scioto) and Erin Leeper (Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy), finished first in 47.61.
The Bearcats will travel to , , on April 7-8 to take part in the competitive All-Ohio Championships at 's Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Event Champions
Men
400 meters Antione Drakeford 47.80
4x100 40.91
4x400 3:14.21
Pole vault Dan Albrinck 15' 7"
Women
4x100 47.61
Pole Vault Brittany Klima 11' 11-3/4"
Javelin Renee Hein 104' 3"