THIS WEEK -- After a strong tune-up last weekend at the Eugene Indoor, the University of Portland men’s and women’s track teams compete in their first home indoor meet of the season at the Portland Indoor Invitational on Sunday (Feb. 6) beginning at approximately 9 a.m. at the Expo Center in Portland, OR.

BOTHWELL LOOKING FOR NCAA TIMES -- Senior Bryan Bothwell will be competing in the 1500m this weekend as a tune-up for next week’s meet at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where he will attempt to earn an NCAA provisional time in the 5000m. Bothwell’s accomplishments on the track are numerous as he has earned All-America honors in the steeplechase the past two seasons (finishing fifth in 1998 and third in 1997).

PILOTS START WELL AT EUGENE INDOOR -- Portland’s talented group of distance runners led the way for the Pilots in a successful season-opening performance for both the men’s and women’s squad’s at the Eugene Indoor meet on Jan. 24 at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene, OR.

Senior Bryan Bothwell led nine Portland runners in the top 10 in the men’s 3000m event, taking home the title in 8:37.47. Juniors Shawn Downey and Aaron Lindner finished in second and third places respectively for the Pilots to round out the top three. Senior Andy Wedham also took home first place in the men’s 1500m with a time of 4:15.77 as Portland finished 1-2-3 in the event. Senior Steve Mahoney and sophomore Andy Hryciw rounded out the top three for the Pilots.

On the women’s side, senior Kilee Smith took home the title in the women’s 600m with a time of 1:40.83 while senior Sara Hannegan finished third in the women’s 1500m with a time of 5:04.28. Freshman Jessie Newton also placed well, finishing in second place in the women’s 3000m with a time of 10:52.00.

In the field events, sophomore Leanne Oberruter finished fourth in the women’s long jump (15-04.75/4.69m) and third in the triple jump (33-07.50/10.25m). Sophomore Natalie Miller also had an impressive showing, finishing fifth in the long jump (13-08.75/4.18m) and fourth in the triple jump (30-06.00/9.30m).

Freshman Brianna Rutkay finished third in the women’s high jump (4-08.25/1.43m) and sixth in the long jump (12-11.75/3.96m). Sophomore Mario LaMorticella was impressive in the men’s triple jump, finishing in second place with a distance of 40-00.75 (12.21m).