SYDNEY LORENTZ
STAFF WRITER
The Franciscan University of Steubenville track and field team returned to the track after seeing improvement and success all-around following the All-Ohio Division III Championships on Saturday, April 13. With a quick turn-around and a few days of recovery, the Barons hit the ground running on April 17 at the John Falconi Invitational held at Bethany College.
On the women’s side, sophomore Beth Flanagan and freshmen Elizabeth Atkins, Sydney Lorentz and Alison Bryant clenched the top four places in the 5,000-meter run. Freshman Claire Dawyot placed sixth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:07.18. Junior Rachel Solomon came in ninth in the javelin with a throw of 26.76 meters.
Freshman Ashlin LaFond came in second in the 800-meter run, crossing the line 2:27.43. Freshman Taylor Smith and sophomore Sydni Cain came in seventh and eighth places with times of 2:48.12 and 2:59.75, respectively. LaFond returned to the track in the 200-meter dash, placing eighth with a time of 28.98.
On the men’s side, senior Nick Long placed first in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:02.64. Freshman Mike Sobus came in fourth place with a time of 11:30.64. Long later returned to the track in the 5,000-meter run to take the victory with a time of 17:52.54.
Junior Mark Borek placed third in the 800-meter run with a personal record of 2:01.98. Sophomore Austen Duggan placed second in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:25.40, and Sobus was not far behind in fifth place with time of 4:35.32.
Junior Max Martin and senior Mike Orsatti placed eighth and ninth in the 100-meter dash with times of 12.18 and 12.35, respectively. Senior Jim Craig came in sixth place in the 200-meter dash, crossing the line in 23.57.
“As we enter into Holy Week, it is only fitting for all that they have sacrificed to reap the rewards of their efforts in their faith and on the track,” said head coach Vince Oliver. “As the championship season approaches, I am confident that they are ready to face the challenges ahead and will no doubt continue to glorify God in all they do.”
The running Barons will be back in action Saturday, April 27, at St. Francis University.