IU prepares for Big Tens

The men's track team finished its final preparations for next weekend's Big Ten Indoor Championships Friday at the Hoosier Hills Invitational. With a number of slots on the Big Ten roster still up for grabs, the meet provided some athletes with a final chance to claim a spot. \nAmong Friday's successes was IU's throwing corps, which turned in an impressive 1-2 finish. Junior Ryan Ketchum, who is currently ranked seventh in the Big Ten in the shot put, took the day's top spot with a throw of 17.58 meters, just off his personal best. Finishing second was senior thrower Mike Minton, who threw a season-best 16.69 meters in the shot.\n"I threw my best of the year," said Minton, "So in terms of momentum, that's a good sign heading to Ann Arbor (Mich.) next weekend."\nThe Hoosiers continued to build on gathering momentum. Heading into the Big Tens, the team's athletes are starting to fire on all cylinders. \nOther highlights included the return from injury of senior sprinter Ryan Sarbinoff, who finished third overall (first collegian) in the 400-meters with a time of 49.44. Freshman Nick Kruse finished a close third in the mile, turning in a time of 4:20.9. Junior Kris McAloon finished fourth in the 800-meters in 1:55.81. Junior Casey Friske added a third-place finish in the pole vault, clearing a height of 4.70 meters. Sophomore Wil Fleming finished fifth in the weight throw with a heave of 17.51 meters. \n"I should've kicked harder than I did," said Kruse of his third place finish, "I could've won the race. The winner was right in front of me." \nThe meet sets the Hoosiers up nicely for the coming battle in Ann Arbor, Mich., which was exactly the goal, according to IU coach Randy Heisler. \n"We ran a lot of athletes tonight with the intention of tuning up for Big Tens," said Heisler. "Coming in, we hadn't decided on everyone that we'll be taking to Big Tens, so this meet was a situation that will help determine who will go."\nThe men are back in action Friday and Saturday at the Big Ten Indoor Championships at the University of Michigan. \n-- Contact staff writer Rob DeWitte at rdewitte@indiana.edu.