Split-squad no problem for track

They're here.

Fourteen members of Michigan's men's track team stayed close to home to compete at the Eastern Michigan Open in Ypsilanti his weekend.

They're there.

Michigan sent eight athletes more than 3,000 miles away to compete in the elite Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif.

They're everywhere.

FILE PHOTO The Michigan men's track team traveled to competitions at Eastern Michigan and Mt. San Antonio College this past weekend.

The Wolverines overpowered their opposition at the Eastern Michigan Open, claiming nine top three finishes.

"This was a big break as far as stress goes. It was another chance to compete," freshman sprinter Jeremy Schneider said.

"I think we're going to surprise a lot of people (at the Penn Relays). I don't want to say anything about winning because it's such a huge meet." Schneider will be competing next week in the 4x400-meter relay.

Schneider and sophomore Ravi Smith claimed the top two places for Michigan in the 400-meter run in Ypsilanti.

Three other freshmen continued the success of the younger Wolverines, finishing second in their events.

Dave Cook shaved several seconds off of his 1,500-meter run with a season best of 3:57.72.

Brad Hudan was only one-tenth of a second behind Eastern Michigan's previous NCAA qualifier Jabari Chavis in the 200-meter run with a time of 22.03.

Brent Sheffer jumped for second place in the pole vault, reaching 14 feet-6 inches.

The Wolverines now must concentrate on this upcoming weekend's 105th running of the Penn Relay Carnival in Philadelphia.

The Penn Relays, as the event is called, has long been one of the most highly attended track competitions in the world.

Last year, the Wolverines clinched first in the distance medley relay with a time of 9:27.64.

04-19-99