Vincennes Indoor Track team starts off strong at John Gartland Invite

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Vincennes University Indoor Track and Field team never turns down an opportunity to compete against top notch teams and Saturday's event at Indiana State University was no different.

VU held their own in many events against NCAA Division I athletes from Indiana State, University of Evansville, Northern Kentucky and Eastern Illinois, as well as Marian University.

On the women's side, sophomore Meagan Moreno picked up right where she left off after being a First-Team All-American in Cross Country, by taking first-place in the 3000 Meter run.

Local North Knox standout Makinzi Meurer finished third in the Women's Pole Vaulting event and Kyra Young placed fifth in the women's 800 Meter run.

"Our women's team is small but talented," VU Track and Field coach Chris Gafner said. "I thought we started the season with some very solid performances. Meagan ran a really smart race in the 3000 meter and Makinzi also had a strong opening vault."

"Both Meagan and Makinzi qualified for nationals with their performances," Gafner added. "Overall the women started the season strong."

The VU Men's team was led by Matteo Capello, who won the Men's Pole Vault, followed by Cole Sumner, who placed fourth.

Kyle Stewart placed second in the Men's Long Jump, with Anthony Campbell placing fourth behind him.

Ian Boit and Noah Glomski took home third and fourth place in the Men's 3000 Meter run.

Ryan Golliher finished third in the Men's Weight Throw and fifth in the Men's shot put.

"We had some very bright spots on the men's side mixed in with some very rusty performances," Gafner said of his men's team. "Matteo picked up where he left off last season, dominating in the vault and qualifying for nationals."

"Ryan Golliher had a huge personal best in the weight throw, hitting the national qualifying mark in the process. Kyle Stewart, Anthony Campbell, Cole Sumner and Trenton Faulkner all had a very solid opening meet," Gafner added. "All four will have good odds of achieving national qualifying performances this season."

Will be in action again February 7th, for the Triton Missouri Challenge, which is scheduled to start at 12 p.m.

"There is a lot of rust to shake off after not competing for over 10 months and having an extra long Christmas break," Gafner said. "We have two weeks until our next competition at Central Missouri. I think we will be much more competition ready at that point."

Full Results can be found at: results.pdf