ANGOLA – Grace’s track and field team opened up the 2019 calendar year with the Keith Turner Invitational at Trine on Saturday.

The men’s 4×400-meter relay team of Brendan Hamilton, Dylan Felger, Connor Kitson and Jonathan Balda won their race in a combined time of 3:36.84.

The women’s 4×400 also impressed. Olivia Lugibihl, Alexis Williams, Kaitlyn Mack and Julia Malson crossed the finish line in 4:22.70 for second place.

Isaac Brown was runner-up in the high jump by clearing 6-feet-7.5, and Balda (third) and Kyle Smith (fifth) placed well in the 800.

Caleb Brown placed in two events. He was third in the shot put at 44-7.5 and fifth in the weight throw at 45-6.25. William Shafer was third in the weight throw at 48-10.

Malson had an NCCAA qualifying time in the 200 of 27.30, and Suzanne Sickafoose was right behind at 27.92. Paul Brawner finished seventh in the 60 dash at 7.08.

Additionally, three freshmen won their respective heats to kick off their collegiate careers. Luke Smith in the mile, Kyle Smith in the 800, and Korry Hamlin in the 3,000 all won a heat.

“This was a good meet for many of our athletes to get started again after Christmas. We saw improvement in many areas, which is what we strive for every week,” said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. “We had some freshmen running their first college meets, and three of those won their heats. That’s a great way to start their careers.”

Next week, Grace will head to Illinois to compete at the NAIA Challenge, hosted by Olivet Nazarene.