Men's Track & Field opens season at Illinois Wesleyan meet

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Concordia University Wisconsin Men's Track & Field team began its season Saturday at the Illinois Wesleyan First Chance Meet. The Falcons had some strong performances as it was a good chance to see where they stand early in the 2015-16 season.

Sophomore Jake Roy (Appleton, Wis.) had a good start to his season, posting a PR in both of his individual events. Roy ran a 7.43 in the 60-meter dash, while adding a time of 23.6 in the 200. His 200 time was also good for a fifth-place finish.

Freshman Austin Garand (Sleepy Hollow, Ill.) had a nice debut for the Falcons as well Saturday. Garand ran a 23.93 in the 200, placing seventh, while adding a time of 8.91 in the prelims 60-meter hurdles. He finished fifth in the 60-meter hurdles, running an 8.92 in the finals.

CUW had a good showing in the long jump with three athletes placing in the top 10. Senior Bathong Pham (Milwaukee, Wis.), sophomore Tyus Groos (Stevens Point, Wis.), and freshman Grant Johnson (Oconomowoc, Wis.) placed seventh through ninth, respectively with Pham pacing the team by leaping 6.12 meters. Groos added a jump of 6.09 meters, while Johnson landed a mark of 6.01 meters. Johnson added a mark of 12.17 meters in the triple jump, finishing eighth.

Freshman Ryan Koehler (Oshkosh, Wis.) had a nice debut for the Falcons by placing eighth in the shot put. Koehler landed a toss of 12.24 meters.

CUW will be off until January 16 when it competes at the Wisconsin Private College Invitational.