Bowman Leads Track and Field at Tiffin

TIFFIN, Ohio - Led by a first place performance from Madi Bowman (Eaton/Eaton), the Defiance College track and field programs took on a strong field at the Tiffin Dragon Open on Saturday afternoon. 

Bowman won the women's weight throw event with a toss of 16.34 meters, marking her new personal record. Her throw bested the second place result by over half of a meter. The senior also brought home a ninth place result in the shotput with a 10.62 meter effort. 

"It was a big day for Madi," said Head Coach Nathan Christianson. "A big PR over 16 meters and making finals in the shot put made for a pretty good day." 

In the women's 400 meter, Malia Ferry (Milford/Milford) grabbed a 12th place finish for the Purple and Gold with a time of 1:13.72 in her best performance of the day. 

Also competing on the women's side were Lisa Maria Markau and Blake Newman (Jackson, Mich./Lumen Christi). Markau tallied results of 8.72 seconds and 30.16 seconds in the 60 meter and 200 meter events respectively. Newman competed in the mile as her lone contest of the day. The senior finished with a time of 7:14.70.

On the men's side of the action, Cody Drumm-Turner (Homer, Mich./Homer) recorded an eventful day. The Michigan native hit a mark of 12.12 meters in the triple jump in conjunction with a 7.42 second 60 meter race and a 24.85 second 200 meter. 

Also competing in the 60 meter race for DC was Gabriel Melvin (Jacksonville, Fla./Atlantic Coast), who finished with a time of 7.49 seconds. 

Kaleb Tyree (Tiffin, Ohio/Columbian) returned to his home city and finished the day with an 11th place result in the shot put with 11.86 meters and a 10.52 meter weight throw. 

Tyler Hines (Cincinnati/Northwest) took on the 800 meter challenge for Defiance. The junior wrapped up the event with a 2:32.05 time and an 18th place finish. 

"I'm pretty happy all the way around," added coach Christianson. "The attitude of the athletes has been great so far and we will continue to improve." 

The DC track and field teams will return to action Friday, January 24, as they travel to Ohio Northern for the Larry Cole Friday Night Invite.