BEREA, Ohio — The Franciscan University track and field team battles snow, high winds, and near-freezing temperatures at the Baldwin Wallace Sparky Adams Invitational. While no personal records were set, several athletes placed well in their events despite adverse conditions.

"There were no big records broken, no big spectacular finishes, but our perseverance was impressive," head coach Vince Oliver said. "Today was nothing short of miserable, but like I told the team, we were relying on the will of our Lord and there's perfection in that."

Oliver said one athlete who stood out for her strong effort was sophomore Kaitlyn Hoffman who ran a time of 28.72 in the 200 meter dash, beating her previous season record of 29.07. Hoffman also broke her season record in the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:05.76, placing twelfth.

"From an athletic standpoint Kaitlyn was definitely the standout," Oliver said. "She was on a mission today and ran like she hasn't run all year. She really went out and went after it."

Other bright spots for the Barons included senior captain Bill Jones's first place 1500 meter run performance of 3:58.79 and junior Jacob Baugher's third and fifth place finishes in the 200 and 400 meter dash respectively with times of 23.41 and 51.54.

"I think everybody's come to expect the extraordinary from Bill," Oliver said. "He had a great race and a great performance, but Jacob ran really solid today as well."

Oliver said that in spite of the weather, the team enjoyed the challenge to put forth their best.

"We're just grateful to be here, to be under God's graces, and to be in love with the Lord and that's what made today perfect," Oliver said.

With a few more weeks left in the regular season, the team continues to train in hopes of ECAC qualifying times. Their next meet is at Penn St. Behrend on Saturday, April 27.

Bill Jones will also compete in the 5000 meter run at the Penn Relays on Thursday, April 25 at 9:40pm.