Men's Track & Field earn three top-spot finishes in 2012 season opener at Findlay

FINDLAY — The Ohio Northern men's track & field team opened up the 2012 indoor season Friday with a strong showing at the Northwest Ohio Invitational, hosted by Findlay at the Malcolm Athletic Center.

The Polar Bears recorded three first place finishes, led by All-American senior Jacob Schwab in the 400 dash in 51.53. Classmate Cory Bailey took the top spot in the 500 Dash in 1:07.44.

Junior Ben Ankrom and senior Dan Smith went first and second in the 3,000 run. Ankrom finished in 8:46.51 and Smith followed up in 8:50.73.

All-American sophomore Francis Pierre-Jerome finished second in the 60 Dash and fourth in the 200 Dash in 23.32.

Freshman Ryan Brancheau placed second in the high jump in his first collegiate meet, clearing 6-4.

Also making his collegiate debut was Chad Bridges, who finished third in the 300 Dash in 36.88.

He, Bailey, Schwab and freshman James Rader combined for a third-place finish in the 4x400 relay in 3:30.76.

Northern is back in action next Friday in Berea at the OAC Relays, hosted by Baldwin-Wallace.