Men's track and field has successful meet at Hamline University

The men's track and field team competed in the 2015 Hamline University Invitational on Saturday, April 11, which included personal and career bests for some of the Falcon athletes.

Junior sprinter David Paynotta continued his impressive track and field career as he was a part of three first-place finishes during the last Saturday’s event: the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and 4x100-meter dash.

Paynotta has a very simple approach when it comes to every race he participates in.

“I approach every race the same by knowing that I have a good chance of winning," Paynotta said in an email interview. "If I win I have a good chance of putting down a good time. I feel like that type of mentality is key to being a successful sprinter. As for the relay, I just try to be the first one to hand the baton off. I know that the other guys can handle the rest.”

In Paynotta’s last six races he has finished first in five with one fourth-place finish in the 400-meter dash, which he had previously never competed in throughout his three-year career. On Saturday, he finished in first place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.7. Paynotta has improved his 100-meter time by a half second since his freshman season.

The Falcons were able to capture third, fourth and fifth place in the pole vault. Current school record holder in pole vault, freshman Colton Sorenson, was able to capture third place in the pole vault with a leap of 14-7 1/4. Senior Windsor Molnar placed fourth in the pole vault with the same leap height as Sorenson at 14-7 1/4. Senior Cole Lubinski placed fifth with a season-high leap of 14-1 1/4.

The team would also compete in the hammer throw as junior Taylor Eldred placed fourth with his career-best toss of 163-8. Junior AJ Walsh-Brenizer also had a career best toss of 152-4 in the javelin throw. In the high jump, freshman Hunter Hulley placed sixth with his season-best leap of 6 (feet). In the 800-meter run, the Falcons would place in 14th, 16th and 20th, respectively.

Paynotta also participated in the 200-meter dash, capturing first place with a time of 21.98. Paynotta would continue to help the Falcons in the meet by competing in the 4x100-meter relay. His winning team would include junior Shane White, freshman Brandon D’Andrea and senior Jordan Crockett. The team would have a standout performance, posting a season-best time of 42.27.

Senior captain Tucker Malecha was extremely pleased with the team’s performance.

“This past week was an exciting one for the Falcon track and field team that competed at Hamline University this weekend," Malecha said in a phone interview. "We expect to go out and give it our all each week, but this one came with many season-best performances. It's great motivation and a confidence-booster going into our next meet at St. Norbert.”

The team will compete in De Pere, Wisconsin, at the St. Norbert College Invitational on April 18, with the meet beginning at 10:30 a.m.