Trio Qualifies for Nationals, "Dutch" Takes First in the Mile at RMU

January 24, 2009

CONTACT: Van Zanic
Sports Information Director

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TRIO QUALIFIES FOR NATIONALS, “DUTCH” WINS MILE AT RMU

Moon Township, PA – Geneva College kicked off its indoor track season at Marietta last week. On Friday, the Golden Tornadoes enjoyed some exciting performances in just the second time out at Robert Morris University. “Supporting one another can go a long win in creating success,” said head coach Bret Otte. “We are all looking to improve and the first two weeks have been very rewarding for the entire team.”

Apparently the support has been warranted as the Golden Tornadoes experienced some great success on Friday. In men’s action, three athletes qualified for the NCCAA national meet. Dan Dillman’s 40-11.5 throw in the shot put was good enough for a spot at the nationals. Teammate Corey Fraction qualified in the 55 meter event with a fourth place overall finish. Fraction ran the third best time in the preliminary race with a time of 6.74. In the final heat, Fraction managed a time of 6.82. In the most impressive performance of the day in men’s action, freshman Stephen Polite was competing in his first meet of his life. In only his second long jump attempt, Polite flew to a 19-11 finish and the first place award.

The highlight for the women’s team came in the one mile event. While Sarah Davis was busy putting together a third place finish in her first meet of the season, teammate Rebecca VanRegenmorter put together a first place performance in her first action of the season. VanRegenmorter qualified for the NCCAA national meet with a first place time of 5:40.7. Neither VanRegemorter nor Davis has started specific race training, but each turned in stellar performances at RMU.

“We don’t have huge numbers in terms of participants, but the athletes that have competed this year have done fantastic,” said Otte. “We may be small, but we are loud and supportive. The rest of the indoor season should prove to be quite exciting.”

Otte will get his next chance to watch his team on February 6^th when the Golden Tornadoes travel to the Slippery Rock University Invitational.