CSM men move up three spots to #17 in USTFCCCA Division II Indoor Track & Field rankings

GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines men’s track & field squad moved up three spots to #17 in the most recent United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II Indoor Track & Field rankings released today.

The Oredigger men placed fifth at the RMAC Indoor Track & Field Championships that took place on Friday and Saturday, February 26th and 27th in Golden, Colo. at Steinhauer Fieldhouse.

The CSM distance medley relay team of Ben Zywicki, Ryan Hanley, Russell Drummond and Mack McLain automatically qualified for the NCAA Championships. The Orediggers are the defending National Champions in the DMR and currently have the third fastest time in Division II.

Aaron Swift placed fourth in the 5000 m with a provisional time. Swift’s best time in the 5000 m ranks him 12th in Division II. Nick Zehring improved on his NCAA provisional mark in the shot put. Zehring placed third overall with a throw of 16.97 m to break a 21-year old school record. His mark is currently the 12th best in Division II.

Zywicki was narrowly edged out in the 3000 m finishing in second just .09 seconds out of first place. Zywicki ranks 11th in Division II in the 5000 m. McLain will compete at the National Championships in the mile with the third fastest time in Division II.

Other All-Conference finishes included Jim Hanafin who took third in the heptathlon. Ryan Marshall finished fourth (51.13) in the 400 m while Hanley finished fourth (1:56.57) in the 800 m. Robbie McGourty placed fourth in the pole vault. David Stuart and Matt Stark placed sixth in the high jump and heptathlon, respectively.

Those athletes that qualify will compete at the 2010 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships in Albuquerque, N.M. on Friday and Saturday, March 12th and 13th at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

-- OREDIGGERS --