Marietta, OH – UPIKE men's track and field brought in the new year with an impressive showing at the Pioneer Open Friday evening, posting a pair of top finishes and totaling 49 points to place second in the team standings.

Smashing his personal record mark and winning the men's shot-put event was sophomore Noah Thomas. Thomas threw for 14.03 meters, setting a new school record which he set earlier this season at 13.50 meters. The first-place finish is the second for Thomas this season, winning the Horace Turner Open in early December. Thomas also competed in the weight throw, placing second in the field of five with a throw of 14.67 meters. The Ashland, KY native totaled 18 team points for the Bears.

In his first competition for the Bears, jumper Avery Adderley nabbed a first place finish in the high jump event with a mark of 1.75 meters. Adderley's win totaled 10 points towards the Bears team total.

Bobby Allums continued to lead the running charge for UPIKE, competing in both the 55 meter and 200 meter events. Allums' top performance came in the 200 meter where the sophomore placed runner-up with a time of 23.41. His performance in the 200 offered eight points for the Bears and his fourth-place finish in the 55 meter event was good for six more points.

In his first meet back with the Bears, Ethan Moore's third place performance in the shot-put earned the Bears six points as he threw for 9.58 meters. Moore also competed in the weight throw, finishing fifth with a distance of 8.26 meters.

"This was a great meet to knock off the rust after winter break," said Head Coach David Espinoza, "to have everyone score is a great way to start the new year!"

The Bears get back to work on Saturday, January 15th as they head to Beaver Falls, PA to compete in the Spire Collegiate Season Opener.