BEREA, OH – It was a bittersweet moment for the Franciscan
University track and field team as senior Kevin Codd participated
in his last race at Saturday's Sparky Adams Invitation at
Baldwin Wallace College. Codd and fellow Baron teammates
competed against fifteen universities, including division one
schools such as Youngstown State University and the University of
Pittsburgh.
“Kevin Codd's successes on the oval, while many,
were nothing compared to his love for the sport and the happiness
that it game him and gave to us,” head coach Vincent Oliver
commented. “I watched as Kevin ran his final 5K and
thought about the couple of years that I've known him –
this year more closely than previous years. Kevin has been a
persistent competitor throughout his career and has set an example
for years to come for his fellow teammates to follow.”
Codd was joined by Katherine Manion in dominating the 5000 meter
run, taking first place overall with a time of
18:22.99. Pressure was put on Manion by runner Kristin
Balogh from Unat-Buffalo, trailing on her heels with one lap to go
by a mere 2.7 seconds.
“Katherine showed why she is one of the best,”
Oliver remarked, “by reaching down inside herself and doing
what she had to do to maintain and assure her success.
I'm very proud of Katherine's performance.”
Kevin Leroy continued his success in the 10,000 meter run by
resetting the school record, knocking off about 34 seconds from his
previous record for a final time of 34:53.18. Leroy placed
fifth in the event.
Zach Freeman set a new personal record and matched the current
school record set by Patrick Meier in the 200 meter dash with a
time of 23.89 seconds, and placing 29th out of 49
competitors.
Baron 4x100 meter relay team, Patrick Meier, Zach Freeman, Nolan
Clearly, and Hunter Mason, continued to improve their team
chemistry. The team bested their previous school record by
clinching a time of 46.04 seconds and placing seventh out of nine
teams.
“I believe that as we close our season in a couple of
weeks and progress into a new season in just a few months, we will
be able to do so with pride and inspiration,” Oliver
noted. “I think that Kevin has provided this team with
an example of this dedication and he will be missed.”
