Jan. 12, 2008

PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh men's track and field team opened its indoor season at the Akron Quad this weekend by winning two event titles and placing third with 92 points. The University of Akron played host to the event and garnered first place honors with a point total of 160.

Sam Bair, a two-time NCAA All-American, captured the 3,000 meter crown after turning in a time of 8:19.60, nearly five seconds faster than the second place finisher. Bair (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler/Kent State) was joined in the top five by teammates Curtis Larimer (Colorado Springs, Colo./Palmer), Teddy Miller (Ambler, Pa./Ambler) and Josh Christopher (Irwin, Pa./Penn-Trafford) as the Panthers dominated the event.

Eric Fleming also claimed a title and earned nine points towards the Panthers' cause. He finished the mile run in 4:17.81 to lead all runners in the event. Fleming (West Chester, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) was immediately followed by fellow senior Eric Burnett (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel), who clocked in exactly one second after his teammate. Freshman Aaron Taylor posted strong showings in his first collegiate competition by recording top five finishes in both the 400 and 800 meter runs. Taylor (Washington, D.C./Gonzaga College HS) grabbed third place in the 400 with a time of 50.84 and finished the 800 in 1:58.62, which was good for fourth in the competition.

The track and field season continues today as other members of the team are competing in the Kentucky Invitational in Lexington, Ky. The Panthers next competition is the Penn State Indoor Open on Saturday, Jan. 19.

For complete results from Akron, please visit this link: Akron Quad-Men's Results