The IU men's track and field team kicked off the outdoor season in fine form at this weekend's Diet Pepsi Invite in Gainesville, Fla., while three distance runners traveled cross-country to Palo Alto, Calif., for the Stanford Invitational.\nThis year's performances were substantially checked by inclement weather. \nAt the Stanford Invite Saturday, the 32nd annual event was marred by steady rainfall and chilly winds. With hurdlers leaping into puddles and pole-vaulters struggling to grasp their poles, the IU distance runners fared considerably well given the circumstances.\nSophomore Mark Fruin grabbed 18th place in the 5,000-meter with a time of 14:30:00, while freshman Jordan Kyle finished right on his heels in 14:43:17, good enough for 20th. Freshman Timothy McLeod entered into the race but failed to finish.\nIn terms of weather, The Diet Pepsi Invite proved drastically better than the California meet, as the majority of the IU men's team ventured south to compete at University of Florida's Percy Beard Track.\nSeven Hoosiers met NCAA regional-qualifying standards as the team officially commenced the 2006 outdoor season.\nSenior thrower Will Fleming led the Hoosiers with a first-place finish in the men's hammer throw. His 63.84 meter heave not only won the event but also garnered a regional-qualifying standard.\nAlso snatching a first-place crown was the 4x400-meter relay team, consisting of sophomores Doug Dayhoff and Ryan Smith, freshman John Gunnell and junior Treymane Warfield. The group met the regional-qualifying standard with a time of 3:09.14.\nSophomore Kyle Jenkins continued a successful indoor season with a second-place finish in the triple jump. His leap of 15.25 meters easily met the qualifying standard.\nSenior All-American Ryan Ketchum followed up an enormously successful NCAA indoor championship appearance with a fifth-place finish in the discus, throwing 52.65 meters.\nThis weekend marks the team's first home event, as IU hosts the Indiana Relays Friday and Saturday. The meet will be held at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex.
7 Hoosiers qualify for NCAA regionals in invite
Senior thrower Fleming nabs 1st place at Diet Pepsi
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