On Friday, Feb. 14, the Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets men’s indoor track and field team traveled to and succeeded at the Ohio Wesleyan Open. 

The Yellow Jackets sent limited athletes to the open, however, the men’s side came out strong placing first out of five teams.

 
“Coming off a team win gives the guys a momentum boost for sure. I think sometimes when we are at bigger meets at bigger schools we lose sight of the fact that we are a strong team and we are really good,” junior John Stewart says.

The Jackets have not been able to stand out in the rankings as much, as they have competed against a Div. I or Div. II programs at every meet this year. However, their numbers say more than their placements, as Stewart, Ethan Wilson and Jacob Harker showed out in each respected event. 

Stewart placed third in the shot put and high jump, followed by Wilson placing second in the mile and third in the 3k. Harker went on to place first in the shot put and weight throw.

The indoor season is coming to a close in just a few more weeks, and Wilson noting how they need to be at their best mentally and physically for the next meet. 
“I don’t plan on doing anything different to stay healthy,” Wilson said. “Stay on top of calories and eat solid, rolling out and getting ice baths like I have all season. I’ll make sure to hit the right efforts in practice without doing too much which can result in an injury. Sleep will be a crucial component as well.”

As the athletes prepare their bodies for the PAC Championships, being mentally sound is crucial. 
Stewart claims, “Track to me is about self-perfection to help the team be successful. If you’re not mentally preparing just as much as you are physically preparing.”

The Yellow Jacket men’s indoor track and field team will continue to prepare with the expectation to win a conference championship. 
The athletes will return for the PAC Indoor Championships at Youngstown State on Feb. 27.