ROCHESTER, NY – The Houghton track & field teams traveled to Nazareth College on Friday for Day One of the Empire 8 Indoor Track & Field Championships. After Day One, the women's team sits in 4^th place, narrowly, behind Utica University, while the men also sit in fourth place, just a few points behind St. John Fisher.
 
The Highlanders came away with victories in three events. First, Amanda Burrichter cruised to her third consecutive indoor title in the mile. Next, Caleb Kasper unleashed a furious kick to win the 5,000m, with teammate Zach Tucker closely behind for 2^nd place. Finally, the Distance Medley Relay of Noelle Linenfelser, Ali Wisniewski, Kyra Binney, and Amanda Burrichter bested the field for the victory. In addition, Malachi Yeager currently sits in first place in the Heptathlon, which will finish tomorrow.
 
Other podium performances on day one include Amos Bixler in 5^th place in the mile, Rachel Domaracki win 3^rd place in the 5,000m, the men's distance medley relay in 4^th place, and Malachi Yeager in 4^th place in the long jump.
 
Coach Hager said after the conclusion of day one, "Wow. I can't believe the energy we brought the meet today. It's certainly expected, but when you're in the midst of it, there's no better feeling. The people who performed today deserve a lot of credit for remaining focused, and unleashing some incredible performances. Everyone deserves credit, as well, for lining the track, and field to cheer their teammates. At some point, in celebration I'm assuming, I got spiked, which ripped my pants and lacerated my ankle. I didn't notice until I sat down in the hotel room. If that's not adrenaline from an evening of high energy competition, I'm not sure what is!"

The teams are back to competition tomorrow starting at 10:00am.