Allendale, Michigan - The men's track & field team returned to action this weekend with a two-day meet at Grand Valley State University. Under near ideal conditions, the Saints were able to compete at a high level and hit a provisional qualifying mark and established many personal bests at the annual Al & Sue Owens Classic.

The Saints secured their first national qualifying performances of the outdoor season in the 3000 meter steeplechase. Brian Langlois led a 1-2-3 sweep in the steeplechase and he hit the provisional qualifying mark in his specialty event. He crossed the line in 9:21.68 and is currently ranked sixth in the NAIA. Shema Reponse and Parker Fenton, who also set personal bests, followed Langlois through the finish line to complete the sweep. Juan David Hernandez paced the attack for the Saints in the 5k (15:08.26), while Jaben Bakker led the middle distance men with a time of 1:55.27 in the 800 meters. Marcus Mitchell ran a 22.33 in the 200 to lead the sprint crew.

The field events were highlighted by many personal best or near pb efforts. Ryan McGuire tallied two lifetime bests as he placed high in both the hammer (165-10) and the discus (138-9). Casey Mathieu's toss of 154-4 was a personal best in the javelin, while Wesley Russell (45-2.25) led the Saints in shot put. Joe Farage's height of 14-4 paced the Aquinas efforts in the pole event. 

Aquinas will return to action next weekend at the Calvin Knight Invitational.