Track and Field Opens 2009 Season at Case Western Invitational

The Behrend Men's and Women's indoor track and field teams began their seasons on Saturday, January 22 at Case Western Reserve University.  Both teams got off to a strong showing by placing high marks in numerous events including some new Behrend records.  "A great start to our season, I was pleased with the competitiveness from many of our athletes," said coach Greg Cooper.

For the Women's team, Katie Monoskey (Punxsutawney, PA/Punxsutawney) showed her ability by setting new Behrend records in the weight throw with a distance of 10.68 m, and the shot put traveling 10.36 m.  Another Behrend record fell and a first place finish was captured in the 800 meter run with Jenna Fatica (Erie, PA/Villa Maria Academy) taking that crown with an impressive time of 2:22.71.  With her showing in this event, Fatica has also qualified for the ECAC Championships. 

The Men's squad was lead by the performances in the 5000 meter run with Alex Zarger (Erie, PA/Harborcreek), Rob Shrawder (New Wilmington, PA/West Middlesex), Matt Alto (Uniontown, OH/Archbishop Hoban) and Steven Gibbens (Erie, PA/Seneca) finishing first, second, third and fourth respectively.  Steel Flynn (Butler, PA/Butler) rounded out the Behrend participants finishing sixth. Ronson Mazany (Ashville, NY/Panama Central) came up big for the Behrend Lions finishing first overall in the triple jump, a second place finish in the long jump and a fourth place tally in the high jump.

Coach Cooper was pleased overall with the performances of his Behrend Lions.  "Many of our returning athletes had had personal bests for indoors or at least performed better than where they started last year, which shows the their offseason work has paid off," added Cooper.

The Behrend Lions track and field teams will return to action February 14 in the Kane Invitational hosted by Cornell University.  The meet is set to begin at 10:00 a.m.