The Michigan men's track and field team hosted its opening meet of the indoor season Saturday and came out on top. In front of a packed track building, Michigan escaped with a narrow victory in the triangular meet, beating Indiana and Michigan State.
The event was also scored as a double dual meet between the three schools. In the dual meets, the Wolverines beat the Hoosiers, 66-55, and the Spartans, 76-41.
The Wolverines got off to a quick start as junior Don McLaughlin and senior Scott McDonald finished first and second respectively in the mile run. McLaughlin redshirted the cross-country season this past fall and feels that his performance Saturday was due to that fact.
"I have an edge, because all the other guys ran cross-country," he said. "I was able to rest all season and do speed work while the others had to do strength work."
McLaughlin was not done winning, however, as he took first place in the 800 meters. Although he concentrated and prepared mostly for the mile run, he was able to come out on top of the 800-meter race.
"I was mainly interested in the mile and run around a 4:10 and hopefully win. After that, I wasn't really thinking about the 800."
Another star performer for the Wolverines was Olympian Neil Gardner. Gardner's first victory came in the 55-meter hurdles. His time of 7.33 seconds qualified him for a provisional spot in the NCAA championships.
Even though Gardner spent the summer running for the Jamaican Olympic Team, his opening time surprised even him.
"This was my fastest opening time," he said. "I was really surprised at my time because it's my third-fastest time overall."
The meet was close throughout the day, coming down to the final race. Michigan saved its best for last as it pulled out first- and third-place finishes in the 4x400-meter relay. The Michigan "A" team trailed Indiana the first two legs but was able to fight its way back in the last two legs to eke out the win by less than a second.
The Michigan "B" team also turned in a solid performance by finishing third, solidifying the Wolverines' victory.
Michigan's victory was a complete team effort, as Damon Devasher won the high jump and Dwayne Fuqua won the 600 meters.
Michigan coach Jack Harvey was pleased with the team's performance.
"I'm happy," he said. "I figured it was going to be close. I wasn't sure if we had enough depth, but overall everyone seemed to be in good shape."
According to Harvey, the team has come together as one unit which has helped them this year.
"With these guys I feel that we've gotten a cohesive unit and everyone seems to support each other really well," Harvey said.
Gardner also echoed this point.
"We're really trying to work on it (team unity) this year. In the past, it has hurt us," he said.
"We're all a unit now and I think will be a force to reckon with."