Thursday, March 27, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 27, 2008) - Sophomore Kenneth Rotich (Nairobi, Kenya) and freshman Matt Baum (Middletown, Md.) highlighted the Buccaneer men's track and field team Thursday afternoon at the Milligan Relays. Rotich won the 1,500m title and Baum claimed his first-ever collegiate crown in the pole vault from the Liberty Bell Track.

Rotich - who has already enjoyed a stellar cross country and indoor track and field season - wasted little time winning his first outdoor title on Thursday. The sophomore sensation beat Milligan's Wegene Degefa for the crown by crossing the line in 4:09.42. Degefa finished the race in 4:10.57, while junior Mike Deren (Blasdell, N.Y.) finished third. Crane ended the 1,500m run in 4:10.88 and senior Jordan Ladd (Lyn, Ontario) placed fifth (4:12.73).

Freshman Matt Baum highlighted the day in the men's pole vault. Baum won the crown with his mark of 13-01.25 (4.00m).

Josh Jaynes (Elizabethton, Tenn.) and Manny Gonzalez (Maryville, Tenn.) each posted top-5 finishes in the 800m. Jaynes finished second with a mark of 1:58.85, and Gonzalez followed in fourth (2:02.30).  

For more information on Buccaneer track and field, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.