Small Numbers Bring Big Results

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Though the outside weather remains icy the indoor track and field season continues to be on a hot streak for Geneva College. Traveling to Youngstown State for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Invitational, the Golden Tornadoes finished sixth in women’s action and seventh overall on the men’s side. This small team showed their might Thursday afternoon raising the bar once again by breaking both school and personal records.

Nick Edinger continues to stay at the top of his game as he lapped the track placing first in the 5K breaking his own school record by 18 seconds at 15:16. Nick wasn’t alone as teammate Josh Guiser placed third in the 60 meter with a new school record 7.14. Guiser’s performance broke the previous record of 7.29 that has been held in a three way tie for the last eight years. A revival in personal records took place for the men as 13 new indoor personal records were set. Among the 13 new indoor personal records, Chez Anderson placed third in the 800 meter with a time of 2:07.21, Jacob Mellinger placed fifth in the 400 meter event in 52.66 seconds and Charles Parker placed sixth in the mile at 4:45.76.

The women didn’t let the men have all the fun. Freshman Sarah-Noel Meek continues to raise the bar for the PAC taking the first place slot in the 5K and Alayna Merkle builds on her break-out season placing first in the 800 meter event (2:27.55) and second in the mile (5:24.52). Among the hard work and great performances head Coach Brain Yowler says, “The performance of the night was Anna Kluitenberg. She’s worked really hard over the past two years and it shows.” Kluitenberg came from behind then pulled away to finish second behind teammate Sarah-Noel in the 5K breaking her old personal record and giving her a new personal time of 19:41.

Not allowing the field events to be overlooked, Sara Williams threw 10.69 meters in shot put taking fourth place.

On March 8th the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships will take place ending the indoor season and warming up the stage for the outdoor season opening March 16th at Muskingum College.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College’s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).