Records fall as track improves

Clarion University's men's track and field team scored 48 points to finish sixth at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Track and Field Championships on May 8-10, earning its highest state finish. The women's team took an 11th place at the Championships held in Lock Haven.

"I think that overall, we did well this year," stated head coach Pat Mooney. "Our men really surprised a lot of people, and our women improved their marks from earlier in the season."

Clarion's only two-event winner was freshman Sam Bohannon (Miami, FL/ Christopher Columbus). Already Clarion's record holder in the 100 meter dash, won the event on Saturday with a time of 10.84. He also ran the third leg in the men's 4 X 100 relay which took the top spot and broke Clarion's 13-year record with a time of 42.32.

Clarion's other winner was freshman Kervin Charles (Philadelphia/M.L. King), who took first in the 110 meter high hurdles with a time of 15.34. A close race with Slippery Rock's Robert Smith, it was a photo finish to determine that Kervin was the winner.

Joining Bohannon on the winning 4 X 100 relay were sophomore Alvin Slaughter (Carol City, FL/Pace), who narrowing missed sixth place in the 100, senior Thom Swenson (North Irwin/Norwin) and junior Brian Fields (Leechburg/ Kiski Area).

Two school records for women were broken at the championships. Junior Sara Miller (Verona/Riverview) took fifth in the long jump with a mark of 16' 6 3/4", breaking the record held by fellow teammate Kim Pellegrino (Pittsburgh/Plum).

Also breaking her own record in the discus was sophomore Lori Dando (New Castle). Dando took third at the Championships with a toss of 137' 0", breaking her old mark by almost six feet.

The Clarion men's highest finish came in 1984 with an eighth place finish at PSAC's.