Stallworth, Drake Impressive in Chippewa Open

Jan. 7, 2005

MOUNT PLEASANT - Junior Dave Stallworth set a school record and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships in Central Michigan University's first meet of the season, the Chippewa Open, on Friday night.

Stallworth set the CMU weight throw record with a toss of 67-11.

"He set an incredible mark for the first time out this season," head coach Jim Knapp said. "He's made so much improvement from the last year."

Stallworth's record wasn't the only highlight of the non-scored meet for the Chippewas.

The Chippewas had two national qualifiers in the 60m dash with Johnie Drake automatically meeting the NCAA mark with a time of 6.62 while Pierre Vinson was right behind with a provisional time of 6.68.

"I'm tickled about our performance as a team," Knapp said. "No more than half our athletes were competing tonight. Our distance runners were held out by design and we'll get them in the mix in the coming weeks."

Knapp also singled out thrower Mike Sidlauskas for his personal-best toss of 59-10 ½ in the weight throw and transfer Jacob Friess for his multi-event performances.

Athletes from Aquinas, Cornerstone, Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State competed in the event.

Next up for the Chippewas is another home meet next Saturday, Jan. 15, with Notre Dame coming to the Jack Skoog Track.