DC Men Compete in Taylor Invitational

UPLAND, Ind. – The Defiance College men's track and field team competed in the Taylor Invitational on Saturday, February 7. The Jackets had several athletes qualify for the All-Ohio Indoor Championships at the meet, which did not record team results.

Defiance's sprinters had another strong meet, turning in some of the top times in the conference. Sophomore Ryan Perry ran the fastest 55m time in the conference this season, crossing the line in 6.60 to finish third. Perry was two spots ahead of freshman Blake Witherspoon, who finished in 6.65. Trey Harris narrowly missed qualifying for the finals in the 55m, running a personal-best time of 6.78.

The Jackets also had impressive performances from their relay teams. The 4x200 meter relay team of Witherspoon, Brian Badenhop, Kyle Longsdorf and Harris finished fourth with a time of 1:35.60, ranking second on DC's all-time record list. The relay team of Seth Bidlack, Longsdorf, Witherspoon and Andrew Baker currently ranks third in the HCAC, after running a time of 3:32.58 in the 4x400m relay.

Austin Trivett continued his strong season, clearing 6-04.00 in the high jump to finish third. Jordan Weber and Trivett finished fifth and seventh in the 55m hurdles, running times of 8.37 and 8.46 respectively. Weber also competed in the triple jump, recording a leap of 39-11.75.

Tyler Reese (2:48.28) led a pack of DC runners in the 1000m, edging out teammates Justin Perkins (2:50.06) and Aaron Fraley (2:54.25). Perkins recorded a time of 9:26.86 in the 3000m, while Issac Wilkins finished 10th in the 600m with a time of 1:35.33.

Defiance will return to action next weekend, February 14, when it sends athletes to the All-Ohio Indoor Championships and the Hoosier-Buckeye Invitational.