Grand Rapids, Michigan - The men's track & field team returned to action tonight as the Saints played host to the 4th Annual John Flaminio Classic. Aquinas welcomed Cornerstone, Siena Heights, Cleary, Concordia, Grace Christian, Muskegon Community College and Southwestern Michigan College to the Alksnis Athletic and Recreation Building. Aquinas tallied six first place finishes on the night and received one national qualifying effort and a school record  in the 60 meter hurdles

The oldest standing school record was broken tonight as Jake Van Tassell eclipsed the previous standard that Sam Clendion (8.13) established in 1975.  Van Tassell's time of 8.12 in the 60 meter hurdles was a provisional qualifier for the NAIA National Championships and currently has him ranked 9th on the NAIA performance list. Van Tassell now owns all three Aquinas school records in the indoor and outdoor hurdle events.

Aquinas would also score first place finishes in the 200 meters and 400 meters. Keiton Fase would win the 200 in a time of 22. 68, while Nathan Iacona would cross the line first in the 400 with a time of 51.08.  Ethan Barker clocked a 4:25.84 and used a strong surge over the last 50 meters to claim the top spot in the men's mile. Jacob Merryfield was a double winner for the Saints as he secured first place finishes in both the high jump and triple jump. Merryfield cleared 6-1 1/4 in high jump and received a mark of 42-2 in the triple jump.

The Saints will travel to Allendale next Saturday to compete in the Bob Eubanks Open. The meet will be hosted by Grand Valley State University and the first event will begin at 1:00 pm.