The Trailblazers competed this past Saturday in Cincinnati at the Lions Invite hosted by Mount St. Joseph University. The men's and women's teams were able to send a full squad to get back into competition in preparation for indoor nationals in early February. The Lions Invite offered the perfect opportunity for these student athletes to compete well.

The distance squad began the day with the 5000m races. Abigail Kobs, despite being the only female in the race, as able to achieve a solid 20:19 to secure her spot at the national meet, and placing her at 8^th overall in the NCCAA. This was also a lifetime track personal record from her previous track time of 20:48.

Elijah Newland also had a successful day in pole vault; breaking the school record from its previous 3.13 to 3.15 meters and placing 4^th overall, as well as a personal record in the 60 meter dash.

Evan Meisberger lead the sprints squad with his performances in both the 60 meter hurdles and the 400 meter dash. Meisberger finished 3^rd in both events, and walked away with a national qualifying mark in the 400 meter with a time of 52.92. This joins with his previous qualification in the 60 meter dash with a time of 8.79, which sits at 6^th in the NCCAA.

Lexie Engstrom was able to earn a hard-fought 1^st place finish in the 800 meter dash, just barely missing the national qualifying standard. Evan Caldwell placed 3^rd in the 800 meter dash and barely missed the qualifying standard in that event as well.

Jason Springer and Corry Mientkiewicz also competed in the 5000m, placing 3^rd and 6^th overall.

Impreza Rogers and Paige parker both competed very well in the 3000 meter race, finishing 3^rd and 4^th overall.

The Trailblazers continue competition this upcoming Saturday at Muskingham University's Muskie Meet on January 25^th.