Grand Rapids, MI - The men's track and field team competed in their opening home meet this evening when they welcomed Hope and Grace Christian to the John Flaminio Classic. The Saints had three qualifiers on the evening, and they all came from the same event. Friday's meet is named after Flaminio, the former great AQ cross country coach (1969-72) and Hall of Fame inductee.
 
The highlight of the night came from the trio of Caleb Hodgkinson, Ben Hardy, and Will Finch in the 1K. The three were grouped together from the gun to the finish line as they lead the Aquinas-heavy field. Each Saint crossed the line at 2:31, separated by a spread of .35 seconds, to each earn a provisional qualifier. This is Hodgkinson's and Hardy's second qualifier of the season.
 
Jesunifemi Ojutalayo opened his season this evening as he was able to win both the high jump and the long jump. His jump of 6.75 meters won the long jump, and a height of 1.91 meters won the high jump. Jacob Dawson was near a personal best in the high jump as he jumped 1.81 meters, which was good for a season best.
 
Nate White and Cyrus Prudhomme won their respective preliminary heats of the 60 dash to advance to the finals. The pair went 1-2 in the final that saw White finish with a time of 7.09, while Prudhomme crossed the line at 7.11.
 
Despite not besting his mark from last week, John Van Til won the eight-man field in the shot put with a mark of 12.69 meters. He was joined by Ethan Morgan and Brendan Madej who had marks of 11.28 and 10.73 meters.
 
The Saints will take the short trek back to Allendale next Friday as they compete at the Bill Clinger Classic. The invite is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM at the Kelly Family Sports Center.