Senior James Eric

The University of Findlay men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams completed the first day of the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship on Friday, March 13 in Houston, Texas.

On the men’s side, James Eric placed seventh in the weight throw with a school record breaking toss of 63’09.00 to earn All-American honors.

John Guagenti also qualified for the finals on Saturday in the 400 meter dash by taking eighth in the preliminary round at 48.83.

Curtis Smithey competed for Findlay as well, finishing 16th in the 400 meter dash at 50.27.

On the women’s side, Stephanie Charnigo took third in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:12.34 to qualify for the finals while Raven Clay was sixth in the opening leg of the 60 meter hurdles at 8.56 and will compete in the final tomorrow as well.

The Oilers will be back in action again tomorrow at the event.