Dark horses step up for 'M' track

By David Mosse

Daily Sports Writer

The Michigan men's track and field team received some strong performances from unexpected places at the Duke Invitational. Squaring off against a highly competitive field, the Wolverines gave a solid showing by posting seven top-five finishes and two individual victories.

With two of its key performers sidelined (jumper Oded Padan and distance runner John Mortimer) and several others having disappointing weekends, the meet might have shaped up as a disaster, if not for the success enjoyed by some not so heralded athletes.

Spearheading the charge was sprinter Derrick Applewhite who is off to a flying start in the outdoor campaign. Applewhite notched his second victory of the young season by winning the 110-meter hurdles.

Not to be outdone, senior Steve Molnar captured first place in the 100-meter dash and was runner-up in the 200-meter dash, delivering a personal best (21.83). Sophomore Josh Sellers capped off an impressive day for the sprinters by placing second in the 400-meter hurdles. Molnar's and Sellers' strong showings were especially crucial as usual standout Ike Okenwa was disqualified in the 100 meters for a fall start.

"Ike has been injured lately and hasn't been able to compete at his best," said Molnar. "It's important for other guys to step up."

The Wolverines vaunted distance team had a relatively quiet week. The major highlight came courtesy of sophomore Mike Wisniewski who finished third in the 5000-meter run with a personal best 14:10.78. All-Americans Jay Cantin and Steve Lawrence placed 13th and 26th respectively.

Sophomore middle distance runner Jeremy Schneider took another crack at breaking the 1:50 mark in the 800-meter. Schneider has flirted with the mark all season and Saturday was no different. Schneider's time of 1:51 left him disappointed but not discouraged.

"I know he can break that," coach Ron Warhurst said. "If he keeps working hard it will happen one of these weeks."

Pacing the field events was junior thrower Nick Rogers, who placed fourth in the shot put with a mark of 53'7 3/4".

With the absence of Padan, sophomore Bob Arnold competed in the high jump, finishing 11th.

The non-scoring meet afforded Michigan another opportunity to shake off the rust and prepare themselves for the more prestigious meets.

Next week the Wolverines sojourn to Walnut, Calif. for the final non-scoring meet of the season.