Both AU teams competed last week (Jan. 21-22) at the All-Ohio Championships.

The AU men were fourth out of 14 teams. Ohio State (161 points) was first, Akron (138) was second and Kent State (104) was third. The Eagles finished with 63 points.

The AU women were sixth with 66 points.

Cincinnati (119) nabbed the team title with Akron (78.20) finishing as the runner-up.

Kent State (71.20) was third, Miami (71) was fourth and Toledo (69) was fifth. Senior Abby Kacsandi won the gold medal in the high jump (5-9.25) and was the runner-up in the pentathlon (3705 points). Senior Steph Tinney finished second in the 800 (2.1291) and junior Kelly Ash was the runner-up in the shot put (48-2.50).

It’s hard to imagine any school in the country, at any level of competition, having as deep a group of throwers as the Eagles.

AU men have the three best throws in Division II in the weight throw.

Junior Ryan Loughney is the national leader (71-4) and senior Mike Jeffery is second (68-8.75).

Sophomore Garrett Grey has the third best throw in the country (67-8.75).

Senior Kurt Roberts is the national leader in the shot (63-8.75) and Kacsandi leads all of Division II in the high jump (5-10). In the women’s shot, senior Katie Sopher has the third best throw nationally (59-7.75) and Ash is fourth (59-0).

This coming weekend, Ashland will be represented at two venues – the Grand Valley State Open (Jan. 28) and the Findlay Classic (Jan. 28-29).