TicketsApril 8, 2006
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The University of Cincinnati men's and women's track and field teams finished third and fifth, respectively, at the All-Ohio Championships on Saturday at Ohio State's Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The men's squad posted 169 points, finishing behind host Ohio State and Akron, while the women scored 82.50.
The men's team won six events, including both 4x100 (41.22) and 4x400 (3:16.94) relays. UC's women captured 15 top-five finishes, with Megan Knapp leading the way, finishing second in the 5000 meters (18:15.11).
Bob Kandell (long jump) and Tara Meier (pole vault) each met regional qualifying marks, becoming the third and fourth Bearcats to qualify. Kandell was second in the long jump, leaping 24' 1-1/2", while Meier was third in the vault, clearing a school-record 12' 5-1/2".
Kandell had an outstanding meet for UC, as he also won the 400 meter dash (48.64) , finished fourth in the 200 meter dash (21.73) and ran the third leg of the champion 4x100 relay.
Chandler Groves won the long jump (24' 7"), while Alex Ramsey also grabbed the 800 meter championship, finishing in 1:56.40. The 3000 meter steeplechase was a strong event for the men, as Taylor Garvin (9:22.97), Bill Keckeis (9:31.75), and David Adams (9:41.59) finished first, second and fifth, respectively. The 400 meters was equally as strong, as Kandell, Antione Drakeford (48.71) and Lonnie Irving (49.68) each finished in the top five.
For the women, Ije Obiorah was third in the triple jump (36' 7-3/4") and fourth in the long jump (18' 2-1/2"). Karen Berling was right behind Knapp in the 5000 meters, finishing third in 18:21.69. Jocelyn Gibson was a third-place finisher in the 1500 meters (4:44.95) and placed fifth in the 800 (2:18.48).
UC is back in action on Wed., April 12-Sat., April 15 as they travel to Knoxville, Tenn., for the Sea Ray Relays.