April 3, 2009

Merrill's NCAA Qualifying Mark Highlights Dominant Penguin Performance

    Detroit, Mich. -- Junior Aaron Merrill hit the automatic NCAA Mideast Regional qualifying mark with a first-place distance of 17.59m in the shot put on Friday at the Detroit Titan Classic.

    In addition, Merrill claimed first in the discus with a mark of 46.93m and also had third-place finish in the hammer with a throw of 49.98m. 

    Seniors Yandeh Joh and Michael Perri also highlighted 11 first-place finishes for the Penguins as both claimed the top spots in two events.    

    Joh claimed first in both the 100m hurdles with a time of 15.01 as well as the 400m hurdles following a time of 1:08.26. Perri was victorious in the 400m hurdles with a time of 55.91.  Perri also tied teammates Marty Vieth and Bryin Ehrhardt for first after clearing 1.82m in the high jump.

    Sophomore Johnny Copley added a first place finish in the pole vault, clearing 13'. Also on the men's side, freshman Kiplangat Tisia finished in first in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 9:35.90.

    For the women, sophomore Alisha Anthony won the triple-jump with a distance of 11.06m. Senior Darcelle Formby added another first-place finish for the women as she won the 200m dash with a time of 26.91.

    The Penguins also notched a team victory as the men won the 4x400m relay with a time of 3:28:15.
    The Guins return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Knoxville Tenn. to take part in the Sea Ray Relays.