Five Firsts For CMU At Invitational

Friday, January 14

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

1 p.m.

Central Michigan University

Central Michigan Inv.

Photo by: Jack Reeber '23,M'25 - @jackreeber.raw

1/14/2022 7:15:00 PM | Track & Field

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By: Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan won five events on Friday as the Chippewa indoor track & field team competed for the first time in 2022 in the Central Michigan Invitational at the Jack Skoog Indoor Track.

"There were a lot of highlights today, a lot of personal records," CMU Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Jenny Swieton said. "There's probably too many lifetime bests to say. But it was a really, really good day. I think it was a great start to the season.

"It's always awesome to start at home and it's so good to compete in front of people. We haven't done that in a while so that was cool to have a crowd, having people cheer. We're super thankful to all the people that showed up to cheer. It's just good to be back in action."

The Chippewas got victories from Emma Francis in the 400-meter dash, Madi Mandelke in the 800-meter run, Tricia Pierce in the pole vault, Hayley Manners in the long jump, and Olivia Hankey, Peyton Korytkowski, Jericha Petrella and Taylor Korytkowski in the final event of the meet, the 4x400-meter relay.

"I feel really good going forward," said Swieton, whose team is scheduled to compete at the Michigan Invitational on Jan. 22 and then is set to host the annual Jack Skoog Invitational on Jan. 29.

"We have some more pieces we're going to add to the puzzle later on. I think we're in a good spot to start. We had like all freshmen last year and we have some sophomores now and that's exciting. A little bit older, a little wiser and I think a little bit better prepared for some things. We're really excited to see what's going to happen."

The Chippewas got a second-place finish from Petrella in the 200-meter dash, a second from Lindsey Clarke in the triple jump, a second from Shelby Korytkowski in the pole vault, and thirds from Aliyah Boeve (weight throw), Hankey (long jump), and Anya Turner (mile).

"There's one person that really came through for us today and that's (assistant) coach (Michael) Schober," Swieton said. "He has a three-week-old baby and he coaches our sprints and our jumps, so he has a lot on his plate and he's the meet manager. He put it all together.

"Both the sprinters and the jumpers had a really, really great day. And he hasn't passed out yet, so that's a major win going on what little sleep he's probably been getting. I absolutely think he's the performer of the meet."