Sean Strauman, Maureen Newell and Grechen Colwell took first place finishes to highlight the IUP track and field team's showing at the Bucknell Bison Open Saturday at Lewisburg.

Strauman won the 1000 meters with a time of 2:28.87.  He did not compete in his specialty, the 800 meters, but still holds the top time in the nation in that event at 1:51.09.

Newell took first in the mile with a time of 5:14.58 and also finished seventh in the 800 in 2:24.25.  Gretchen Colwell had the top performance in the weight throw at 51 feet, seven inches.  She ranks 14th in the country in that event.

Erica Hoffman was second in the 3000 (10:16.92) and Liz Tepsic was fourth in the triple jump (35-4 1/2) to round out the top women's efforts.

Placing eighth in the men's competition were Nate Shelly in the 5000 (15:34.67) and Kevin Bittner in the weight throw (47-6 1/4).

Both IUP teams are back in action next Saturday, with most of the team competing in the West Virginia University Shell Games and selected athletes heading to the Akron Open.

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