Relays Excel at Gator Invite

The Heidelberg University men’s and women’s track and field team had a strong showing by its relay teams at the 2009 Gator Invitational hosted by Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. on Friday, May 8.
 
Both its 4x400-meter relay teams raced to the front of the field and inked the Berg among the nation’s elite. On the men’s side, the group of Terrence Horton (Pickerington, Ohio /Pickerington), Mark Childs (New Albany, Ohio / New Albany), Seth Robertson (Burton, Ohio / Newbury) and Wes Hendricks (Beavercreek, Ohio / Beavercreek) crossed the finish line in 3:15.33. Its time provisionally-qualified the team for the 2009 NCAA Championships hosted by Marietta College May 21-23. Following the race, its time sits third in the nation.
 
Angela Zellner (Twinsburg, Ohio / Twinsburg), Jamie Depinet (New Riegel, Ohio / New Riegel), Shanice McLellan (Lima, Ohio / Lima Senior) and Jazmine Shaw (Columbus, Ohio / Hamilton Township) took first in the 4x400-meter relay in a school record time of 3:52.92. Its mark also provisionally-qualified the team for nationals. Following the weekend, its time sits fourth in the nation.
 
Also taking a first for the Berg was freshman Tomika Brown (Bellefontaine, Ohio / Bellefontaine) in the high jump. Brown shared the title after clearing 5’3”.
 
Joe Yoder (West Liberty, Ohio / West Liberty Salem) raced to a runner-up finish in the 400-meter hurdles. He crossed the finish line in 53.74.
 
Rounding out the top-five performances for Heidelberg was the men’s 4x100-meter relay team of Julius Higginbotham (Elyria, Ohio / Elyria), Paris Hilliard (Lorain, Ohio / Admiral King), Brett Meadows (Marysville, Ohio / Bellefontaine) and Hendricks with a third in a time of 42.07. Wayne Lanum (Marengo, Ohio / Highland) took fourth in the shot put (47’9.25”).