Posted: Apr 17, 2021

Huskies Throw Down at Al Owens Invite

Results

ALLENDALE, Mich. - The Michigan Tech men's and women's track and field teams competed at the Al Owens Classic April 16-17, hosted by Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. The Huskies lineup was complimented by a full slate of throwers this week. Katherine Jarvis topped flight two in women's shot put with a mark of 12.05 meters. Mya Ghazale finished sixth in flight one with a throw of 8.16 meters. Ghazale also took sixth place in flight two of discus with a mark of 29.91 meters.

Sam Fuhrman and Noah Koball took fifth and sixth respectively in flight one of men's shot put for MTU. Furhman's throw landed 13.43 meters with Koball right behind at 13.39 meters. Fuhrman and Ryan Beatley also took fifth and sixth in men's discus throw flight one. Koball came in fourth in flight two with a throw of 40.50 meters.

"For most events we traveled a smaller development squad this week," said head coach Kristina Owen. "Our throwers were the exception and they came rested and focused here today. I thought it was a fantastic throws meet, with multiple Olympians in the field. Our athletes got to see that next level of competition up close and personal. We had a solid day, but not exceptional, and I think we did battle some competition nerves after missing last season due to COVID."

Jamie Hendrickson had a notable day in high jump for the Huskies and took second place. Hendrickson cleared 5'2.5" (1.59m) and went out at 5'4.5", with just one miss before the final height. Only Brooke Mangas (Findlay) jumped higher with a top height at 1.64 meters.

"We're so excited for how Jamie's performing," Owen said. "She's really an exceptional athlete. She's learning to have more confidence in her abilities, and next time we'll have her come in at a higher height to save some energy for where it counts."

In distance running, Logan Lukonic set a new personal record in the 1500 meters, finishing sixth amongst the large, 58 runner field.

"We were pumped for Logan's PR of 3:56.23, but it's a little bittersweet because he was really shooting for that 3:55 time to qualify for fast heats in our upcoming races," said Owen. "He was super close and raced well, with a good start and smart pacing overall. If he had started his kick just a little sooner he would have had it, and I know he has the legs to do it."

Sprinter Jacob Pilon set new personal fastest marks in both the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash. Pilon was the fastest of six runners in heat two with a time of 11.10 (1.7 wind). Pilon and teammate Zach Okma finished first and second respectively in heat three of the 200 meters. Pilon crossed the line in 22.83 seconds (-2.4 wind) for the Huskies.

"He looked so good, just relaxed, smooth, and like he found that flow state. It was the type of fast sprinting that's just so fun to watch."

Michigan Tech outdoor track and field has four meets on the schedule before the NCAA Division II National Championships on May 27. Up next is the GINA Relays, hosted by Hillsdale College on Thursday, April 22.