Central Michigan University Athletics
Men's Track Hits The Road
1/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | MTF
Jan. 21, 2003
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COMING UP - The Central Michigan University men's track team is preparing for it's first away meet of the year, the Red Simmons Invite at Ann Arbor. The meet is Saturday, January 25, in the U-M Track Building.
Field events begin at 9:30 a.m., while track events starts at noon. The Chippewas main competition will come from the University of Michigan and Harding University.
STIFF COMPETITION - "There is going to be some solid track programs at the meet," head coach Jim Knapp said. "We will expect this will be another meet where we continue to improve. "Everything that we do now goes towards our ultimate goal of a Mid-American Conference Championship."
TRIANGULAR MEET RECAP - While competing against Western Michigan and Notre Dame, the Chippewas were able to win six events while taking second in seven events. Johnie Drake (Detroit/So.) won the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.81, and finished second in the 200-meter dash (22.06).
Other Chippewas winning were: Steve Wezner (Sterling Heights/Fr.), first in the 400-meter dash (49.40); Pete Remien (Ishpeming/Sr.), mile (4:15.82); Don Wilkins (Trenton/So.), 3,000 meters (8:28.73); Steve Wolf (Sterling Heights/Jr.), long jump 22-11.75; and the 1,600 meter relay (3:22.53).
Second-place finishers were: Ron Miller (Stanton/Sr.), in the 800 meters (1:54.91); Jacob Crowe (Grand Ledge/Jr.); mile (4:17.22), George Kirby (Olivet/So.), high jump (6-6 3/4); Pat Walderzak (Frankenmuth/Sr.), shot put (55-1 1/2), and weight throw (54-6); and Clive Roberts (Scarborough, Ont./Sr.), 60-meter dash (6.85).
BREAKING RECORDS - Johnie Drake broke the 60-meter dash record for the second straight week. Johnie accomplished the feat in the semifinals on Friday with a time of 6.75. His time is .03 away from provisionally qualifying for the NCAA meet. Drake's time is also the fastest in the MAC by .11. Sitting in second place is Western Michigan's Rashad McDade with a time of 6.83.
"Johnie is doing a great job," Knapp said. "He keeps getting better and better, and this didn't just come out of nowhere. Drake has worked hard for what he has earned."
FIGHTING THROUGH THE PAIN - Freshman Steve Wezner was initiated in the 400-meter dash on Friday. Steve had fought through the pushing and elbow's of three runners on the first turn to overcome the runners to win the 400-meter dash.
"It really impressed me when Steve pulled out a win in the 400," Knapp said. "Even after three guys hit him, he overcame that, and won with an impressive time.
"The MAC is not an easy conference, it has a lot of competition, and it is usually rare for a freshman like Steve to make a contribution."
