The Eastern men’s track and field team placed second at the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Tournament.

First year Director of Track and Field James Gildon mentioned how he wasn’t disappointed in the team despite not taking home a ring.

“I told them I was proud” Gildon said. “The kids competed very well; they left it out on the track. It was just a situation where our best wasn’t quite good enough.”

Men’s track and field scored 117 points at last season’s indoor tournament, yet the team scored 176.5 points this year. Gildon said he was happy with the improvement.

The Panthers were led by fifth year long-distance runner Adam Swanson, who scored 30 points across four events (800m, mile, 3,000m, 4,000m, distance medley relay). He placed second in the distance medley relay, 800m and mile while coming in third at the 3,000m.

Swanson was named Male Athlete of the Championship for his efforts at the tournament.

“Adam Swanson had a tremendous meet,” Gildon said. “He is a great performer.”

Gildon also praised freshman sprinter Daniel Lacy.

Lacy scored 18 points across three events (200m, 400m, 4x400m). He placed second in the 400m with a time of 47.74 seconds, 0.07 seconds behind first place.

Senior Ramsey Hunt and senior Ricky Johnson scored 14 points apiece. Johnson competed in three events (200m, 400m, 4x400m) while Hunt competed in two (Long Jump, Triple Jump).

Hunt took first place in the long jump with a mark of 7.64m.

Graduate Declan Ritzenthaler also took first place in his event, the pole vault. He won with a mark of 5.08m.

The Panthers finished 49 points above third place, Southeast Missouri, who finished with 127.50 points.

Aidan Cusack can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].