Indianapolis, IN — Competing in one of the oldest, most tradition-rich track and field meets in the nation over the weekend, the Goshen College men’s track team finished 18th out of 20 teams at the Little State Championships on the campus of Purdue University-Indiana University of Indianapolis. Facing off against all Indiana NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III institutions, the Leafs could not duplicate the success of their women counterparts — click here for article — but did set several personal best marks in just the third outdoor meet of the season for the squad.

“Our men’s team had a tougher time of it in the team race but had several highlights,” said Rick Clark, Goshen head coach. “Each time we compete, we want to be in a position to be near the top of our competitive range. Several of our athletes were right there over the weekend.”

Leading that list was senior Matt Hochstetler, who on Friday afternoon shattered a six-year old program record in the discus throw, capturing a distance of 139 feet, 8 inches. That mark broke a distance of 135 feet, 3 inches set by current assistant coach Clint Borntrager in the 2000 season.

“I’m sure it is rewarding for Clint to see his record broken by an athlete who has worked so hard over the past four years,” Clark said. “Clint was a great thrower for us, and now he’s teaching these guys the skills of the trade. Matt had an excellent showing Friday night.”

Hochstetler’s throw was one of several personal best results over the weekend, as the Leafs’ 4 X 100 and 4 X 400 relay teams also compiled season-best clips. Seniors Dan Adcock and Daniel Constantine teamed with junior Jason Young and freshman Andrew Murto in the 4 X 400 race to finish with a time of 3:27.90, good for seventh place overall. Freshman Nelson Kling replaced Murto in the 4 X 100 relay, helping the team to an eighth-place finish in a time of :44.18.

Also recording top 10 finishes was Adcock in the triple jump (eighth place, 40 feet, 11 inches) and Young in the 200-meter dash (seventh place, :22.33).

The University of Indianapolis won the overall team competition, charting 126 team points. Goshen’s six points tied Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and bettered Hanover College’s five-point effort. For a complete list of individual and team results, click here.

Goshen will next participate in a mid-week event, traveling to Anderson University on Thursday to compete in the AU Runners Forum Invite.