ON THIS DATE (4/6) in DC Athletics
DEFIANCE, Ohio – Highlights from recent years on this date, April 6, in the history of Defiance College athletics include members of the men’s and women’s track and field teams posting several individual championships, along with the baseball and softball squads sweeping Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheaders.
DEFIANCE, Ohio – Highlights from recent years on this date, April 6, in the history of Defiance College athletics include members of the men's and women's track and field teams posting several individual championships, along with the baseball and softball squads sweeping Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheaders.
In 2013 at the Adrian College All-American Invite track and field meet, Defiance's Tom Postema topped all competitors in the shot put (16.07 meters) and discus throw (48.35 meters) while on the women's side, Kim Bingley came up with first-place finishes in the 400-meter hurdles (1:09.19) and javelin throw (33.86 meters).
Last year at Oberlin College's Bob Kahn Invitational, Yellow Jackets Vince Jackson and James Baranoski captured titles in the men's high jump (1.84 meters) and shot put (13.55 meters), respectively.
When hosting the Dick Small Invitational in 2015, the DC women's track and field program's Aaron Textor won the 1500-meter run in 5:37.19.
In baseball, Defiance swept two games with HCAC opponents last season and in 2013.
The Yellow Jackets hosted Transylvania University a year ago and won by the scores of 6-2 and 10-6. In the first contest, DC scored all six of its runs in the bottom of the eighth inning as Garrett Sierra had two hits and two runs batted in and relief pitcher Zac Brazen was the winner. Defiance built a 10-2 lead after six innings in game two as Troy Konwinski tallied three hits with four RBIs to support Daniel Tomalak, who started and pitched six innings for the victory.
Against Mount St. Joseph in 2013, the Yellow Jackets claimed 5-2 and 5-3 wins. In the opener, Jonathan Murphy collected a pair of hits and an RBI while Jake Taylor tossed eight innings for the victory and Alex Schomaeker was credited with a save. Aaron Helland stroked two hits with two RBIs in the second game as Ryan McLaughlin threw 5 1/3 innings for the win and Schomaeker again saved it.
The softball team's conference sweeps came on the road in 2019 and 2012.
A season ago, DC beat Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 8-5 and 9-5. Brooke Gostomsky and Emma Perry each contributed three hits, including a couple of doubles, while Taylor Biggs was the winning pitcher in relief. In game two, Kalin Hubble ended with three hits, including a home run and double, and three RBIs with Biggs again getting the victory.
Also in softball, Defiance swept Hanover College in 2012 by 4-1 and 7-4 scores. Macy Ferrall provided three hits, including two doubles, and three RBIs while Kailea Holbrook tossed a complete game in the opening contest. Jordan Sawmiller (three hits, double, two RBIs) and Katie Miller (two hits, home run, three RBIs) paced the offense in game two with Lauren Dicke pitching all seven innings.
The Jackets have also picked up a few other baseball wins on April 6 in past years. DC split a twinbill at Franklin College in 2012 after being victorious at Adrian College in 2011 (6-5), versus Manchester University in 2010 (5-4 at home) and in 2007 at Rose-Hulman (8-6).
Do you remember these significant Defiance athletic feats? The "On this Date" series is scheduled to run through the end of April.