Athletics Begin Safely and Successfully

Adapted from a newsletter article written by Kyle Niermann, University of Findlay Director of Athletic Communications

After many months of scheduling, planning, and preparing, the University of Findlay athletic department recently participated in their first indoor events of the 2020-21 year. Indoor track and field and men’s and women’s basketball have all competed safely and successfully to kick off a season that will require the athletes, coaches, and fans to have flexibility.

The season began on Thursday, Dec. 3 with the Oilers women’s basketball team, originally scheduled to play Trevecca Nazarene University, defeating conference foe Hillsdale College by a score of 88-77 in an empty Croy Gymnasium. The Oilers’ men followed with an 80-73 victory over Trevecca Nazarene, again, in front of no fans.

Findlay’s men’s and women’s track and field teams were next to compete and did so on Friday, Dec. 4 with a trip to nearby Tiffin. The season-opening meet went well for the Oilers, who had multiple top finishers on both the men’s and women’s side. Highlighting the weekend was junior Xavier Marable, who took first place in the 400m dash with a time of 48.23. For his performance, Marable was named Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Men’s Track Athlete of the Week. Thrower Sterling Mungro also performed well, winning the weight throw with a toss of almost 70 feet.

On the women’s side, junior distance runner Gabrielle Lawrence set a new UF record in the 3,000 meter run, finishing in a time of 10:09.28. The previous record had stood since 2003. For that performance, Lawrence received G-MAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week.

Schedules for upcoming basketball and track and field contests can be found online at athletics.findlay.edu and with games and opponents changing regularly, the online schedules will be kept up to date.

Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brings to competing on the court or the track, Findlay’s athletes have been patient and resilient and will continue to strive for excellence, no matter the hurdles they must overcome.