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It was hard to tell what had better performances: the competing athletes or the three-year-old UW-Platteville track and field complex, which hosted its first-ever night meet under its new lights Friday.
National powers such as Wartburg, UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point and Dubuque joined the Pioneers in the Nike/Impact Sports UW-Platteville Invitational, which also featured several standout track club athletes and strong individual competitors from some other schools.
UWP Coach Jim Nickasch said the other coaches and athletes marveled at the convenience of having the outdoor track just steps away from the indoor facility, which was used for warmups and team gatherings.
"It's just really cool to see this quality of a meet at UW-Platteville," he said. "I'm just really proud of that. And two, the kids are doing really well, and that's neat to see. So it's just a good night."
The Pioneers won six events, including two by freshman Ann Tank. She won the 800 in 2:16.77 and took the 1,500 in 4:42.26, setting a personal best by six seconds and beating the Wisconsin Badgers' Kalye Wolf by two seconds.
"I knew from looking at the heat sheets there was some good competition, but I was hoping to win," Tank said. "I felt really good."
Helping the athletes feel good was the fact the night meet eliminated the strong gusts of wind that blew through Platteville during the day.
"It was pretty decent weather. You can't ask for anything better at this time of the year," Tank said, adding the night running made the conditions ideal for her events. "I liked it a lot. It's easier to run distances."
Also winning for UW-Platteville were Bill Clift in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (10:05.85), Andy Melby in the 110 hurdles (14.74); and Alison Glendenning in the 400 hurdles (1:04.3).
Lynn Oyawiri was second in the 100-meter dash in 10.90 and helped the 4x100 relay team to a runner-up finish at 42.11. Dan Meyer was second in the javelin throw at 161-1, and Scott Howard added a third-place finish in the pole vault at 15-3.
Several Pioneers hit personal best marks as they proudly defended their home turf.
"It's an awesome facility, and we're lucky to have it," Tank said.
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