Central Michigan University Athletics
Men's Track Hosts MAC Championships
2/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | MTF
Feb. 19, 2001
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THE TEAM--The Central Michigan University men's track and field squad hosts the Mid-American Conference Championships on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24. Action on both days begins at 11 a.m.
THE COACHING STAFF--The CMU men's track and field program is headed up by head coach Jim Knapp, assistant coach Craig Fuller and graduate assistant Greg Halberg. Knapp, who is in his 16th season, led the Chippewas to a second-place finish at the 2000 indoor MAC meet and a third-place outdoor finish. Since 1986, he has coached 38 individual MAC champions and five All-Americans including Greg Richardson in 1999 and 2000. Fuller, who also serves as the Chippewas' head cross country coach, led Central to the MAC cross country championship in 1999. He has helped four CMU athletes to All-American status including Richie Brinker (1997-98) and Ryan Watson (1998). Halberg is in his second season with the Chippewas.
LAST WEEKEND--The Chippewas competed at the nonscoring Jack Skoog Open on Feb. 16.
Clive Roberts (Toronto, Ontario/Jr.) won a pair of events to lead the Chippewas. Roberts took top honors in the 60m (6.93) and the 200m (22.58).
CMU had six other athletes win events.
Ian Searcy (Canton/Jr.) won the 400m (49.81), Jeff DeLong (Muskegon/Sr.) the 800m (1:51.47), Ron Miller (Stanton/So.) the mile (4:15.32), Rick Bauer (Howell/So.) the 3,000m (8:40.20), Aaron Gebauer (Bad Axe/Jr.) the pole vault (15-5) and Pat Walderzak (Frankenmuth/Jr.) the shot put (56.5.75). CMU's 4x400m relay team also won (3:18.59).
Also turning in strong performances were: Jacob Crowe (Grand Ledge/Fr.) who finished second in the mile (4:15.93), Caleb Siedlecki (Mount Pleasant/Sr.) second in the pole vault (14-11), Steve Messam (South Bay, Fla./Fr.) second in the triple jump (42-11), John Pilling (London, Ontario/Fr.) second in the shot put (54-4.75) and Walderzak second in the weight throw (54-1.25).
DOUBLE WINNER--Junior Clive Roberts won a pair of events at the Jack Skoog Open on Feb. 16. Roberts finished first in the 60m (6.93) and the 200m (22.58).
TWO-SPORT ATHLETE--Freshman football player Steve Messam has joined the Chippewas and has made an immediate impact. Messam placed second in the triple jump (42-11) at the Jack Skoog Open. On the football field, Messam saw action in 10 games and caught 22 passes for 288 yards in 2000.
UPCOMING--CMU competes at the Last Chance Meet at Eastern Michigan on March 1.
